Nickel-Catalyzed Cyclization Strategy for the Synthesis of Pyrroloquinolines, Indoloquinolines, and Indoloisoquinolines

An inexpensive and benchtop stable Ni-catalyst/Zn system for the synthesis of pyrrolo/indoloquinolines and indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines is explored. This platform provides a one-pot entry for the preparation of various pyrrolo and indoloquinolines/isoquinolines, which involves successive C-C and C-N bond formation, respectively. In addition, we have also performed the preliminary photophysical studies for the synthesized compounds.