Efficient Synthesis of Isoquinolines by AgNO3-Catalyzed Sequential Imination-Annulation of 2-Alkynyl Aldehydes with Ammonium Bicarbonate

An operationally simple approach for the tandem synthesis of isoquinolines by the reaction of o-alkynylaldehydes with ammonium bicarbonate via Ag-catalyzed 6-endo-dig ring closure is described. The reaction conditions and the scope of the reaction are examined, and a variety of substituted isoquinolines are prepared in moderate to excellent yields.