Ruthenium-catalyzed benzimidazoisoquinoline synthesis via oxidative coupling of 2-arylbenzimidazoles with alkynes

Synthesis of a fused bis-heterocyclic framework, benzimidazoisoquinoline, has been achieved using Ru-catalyzed reaction of alkynes with 2-aryl benzimidazoles in the presence of Cu salts. The method provides an easy access for the generation of a library of benzimidazoisoquinoline derivatives. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.