Solvent-free direct aza-Friedel-Crafts reactions between 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline and 1- or 2-naphthols

A self-catalytic aza-Friedel-Crafts method was employed to generate 1-naphtholyl tetrahydroisoquinoline products under neat conditions. In addition, a derivative was prepared in its enantiomerically pure form and has shown moderate activity for asymmetric catalysis in the asymmetric diethylzinc addition to aldehydes. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.