AcBr/DMSO Mediated Sulfenylation of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines

We have developed a mild sulfenylation of pyrrolo-[2,1-a]-isoquinolines with acetyl bromide and dimethyl sulfoxide.A widerange of functionalized pyrrolo-[2,1-a]-isoquinolinescould be prepared efficiently through the formation of a C-Sbond with thiophenols (27 examples, 36-94% yields). The currentstrategy can also be utilized for functionalization of pyrrolo-[1,2-a]-quinolines and indole.

Automated summary

We developed a mild sulfenylation method for pyrrolo-[2,1-a]-isoquinolines using acetyl bromide and dimethyl sulfoxide. A wide range of functionalized pyrrolo-[2,1-a]-isoquinolines could be efficiently prepared by forming a C-S bond with thiophenols (27 examples, 36-94% yield). This strategy can also be used for functionalization of pyrrolo-[1,2-a]-quinolines and indole.