A tandem approach to isoquinolines from 2-azido-3-arylacrylates and α-diazocarbonyl compounds

2-Azido-3-arylacrylates react with alpha-diazocarbonyl compounds and triphenylphosphine to furnish isoquinolines in 60-92% yields. The tandem process involves a Wolff rearrangement, an aza-Wittig reaction and an electrocyclic ring closure. The procedure is efficient, rapid, and general, and the substrates are readily available.