Synthesis of isoquinolines and tetrahydroisoquinolines as potential antitumour agents

The isoquinoline 17 and the tetrahydroisoquinoline 16 were synthesized from 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin (1) by different synthetic strategies. Preparation of arylethylamines and their cyclization in Bischler–Napieralski conditions have been studied. Another approach to isoquinolines was based on the amination of the ketone 13 followed by cyclization in acidic media. The route via the amide 15 was found to be more successful with respect to both yield and ease of reaction.