(l)-Proline-catalysed novel tandem reactions of 1-substituted piperidin-4-ones with (E)-4-arylbut-3-en-2-ones: N-substituent mediated product selectivity and synthesis of novel nitrogen heterocycles

(l)-Proline-catalysed reaction of 1-alkyl/aralkylpiperidin-4-ones with (E)-4-arylbut-3-en-2-ones furnishes novel isoquinoline derivatives, with two or three rings, in good yields via tandem Robinson annulation–Michael addition(s) sequences, while the reaction of 1-arylpiperidin-4-ones with (E)-4-arylbut-3-en-2-ones affords 3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-ones via a tandem Michael addition–aldol reaction sequence.