A variation of the Pictet–Spengler reaction via a sequential reduction–cyclization reaction of N-acylcarbamates: synthesis of 1-substituted tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives

A new variation of the Pictet–Spengler reaction for the synthesis of 1-substituted tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives has been developed. The reaction employs the reduction of N-acylcarbamates by DIBAL-H followed by simultaneous cyclization mediated by BF3·OEt2. The synthetic potential of this method has been illustrated by the synthesis of the tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids, (±)-xylopinine, (±)-laudanosine, (±)-8-oxo-O-methylbharatamine, and (±)-isoindoloisoquinolone.