Synthesis of polysubstituted isoquinolines through cross-coupling reactions with α-alkoxytosylhydrazones

A Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of α-alkoxytosylhydrazones with sulfonates derived from salicyl aldehydes gives rise to protected 1,5-dicarbonyl compounds. Treatment with ammonium hydroxide readily transforms these alkenes into isoquinolines with diverse substitution patterns at positions 3 and 4. In a similar way, the employment of o-cyanononaflates in the coupling reaction, followed by treatment with an organometallic, provides isoquinolines that incorporate substitution also at position 1. The combination of both approaches represents a versatile method for the preparation of isoquinolines substituted at any position of the heterocyclic ring.