Cobalt-catalyzed oxidative [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions: an efficient synthesis of pyrrolo- and imidazo-[2,1-a]isoquinolines

A cobalt-catalyzed oxidative [3 + 2] cycloaddition cascades of dihydroisoquinoline esters with nitroolefins or N-sulfuryl aldimines were developed at room temperature. A multi-component reaction for the synthesis of 5,6-dihydroimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolines were also realized under almost identical conditions. This method is particularly suitable for the synthesis of tricyclic nitrogen heterocycles due to its simple manipulation, wide scope of the reaction substrates and excellent regioselectivity.