A versatile cyclodehydration reaction for the synthesis of isoquinoline and β-carboline derivatives

The direct conversion of various amides to isoquinoline and beta-carboline derivatives via mild electrophilic amide activation, with trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride in the presence of 2-chloropyridine, is described. Low-temperature amide activation followed by cyclodehydration upon warming provides the desired products with short overall reaction times. The successful use of nonactivated and halogenated phenethylene derived amides, N-vinyl amides, and optically active substrates is noteworthy.