Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline (PIq) is a nitrogen heterocyclic scaffold of diverse alkaloids endowed with several biological activities, including antiretroviral and antitumor activities. Several 5,6-...

A route towards pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines through a 3CR of 1-aroyl dihydroisoquinolines, activated alkynes and alcohols has been developed.

An efficient synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines by a domino reaction from a variety of 3,4-dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes in the absence of catalyst in good yields under microwave irradiation, is reported.