Synthesis 2021; 53(09): 1556-1569
DOI: 10.1055/a-1344-2074
short review

Transition-Metal-Free Strategies for the Synthesis of C-1 Aryl-Substituted Tetrahydroisoquinolines

Pushpinder Singh
a   Department of Chemistry, DAV University, Jalandhar, Punjab 144012, India
,
Aanchal Batra
b   PG Department of Chemistry, Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, Sector 36A, Chandigarh 160036, India
,
Kamal Nain Singh
c   Department of Chemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
,
Mritunjay Mritunjay
a   Department of Chemistry, DAV University, Jalandhar, Punjab 144012, India
› Author Affiliations
P. Singh is grateful to DAV University, Jalandhar (Grant no. DAVU/2020/DA/104, dated 23/01/2020) for financial support.


Abstract

1-Aryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines are important structural motifs and are widely found in bioactive molecules, pharmaceuticals and synthetic drugs. In view of increasing environmental awareness, the development of transition-metal-free strategies for the synthesis of these compounds is highly desirable. Metal-free oxidative coupling and lithiation methodologies have emerged as effective tools in this area as they exclude the use of transition-metal catalysts and help in reducing unwanted and toxic-metal-based chemical waste in the environment. This review highlights recent advances on the direct arylation of tetrahydroisoquinolines for the synthesis of the title compounds in the absence of a metal salt. Also, the emphasis has been placed on mechanistic considerations of these reactions.

1 Introduction

2 Arylation of Tetrahydroisoquinolines via Oxidative Coupling

2.1 Arylation Using Grignard Reagents

2.2 Arylation Using Other Organometallic Reagents

2.3 Arylation Using Aryl Organoboranes or Arenes

3 Arylation of Tetrahydroisoquinolines via Lithiation

3.1 Intermolecular Arylation

3.2 Intramolecular Arylation

4 Conclusion and Outlook



Publication History

Received: 05 November 2020

Accepted after revision: 30 December 2020

Accepted Manuscript online:
30 December 2020

Article published online:
27 January 2021

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