A general and efficient method for the synthesis of benzo-(iso)quinoline derivatives

A new, short and efficient synthesis of substituted benzo-(iso)quinoline derivatives is reported. The methodology is based on a Suzuki or Negishi cross-coupling followed by a cyclization reaction induced by t-BuOK in DMF to form the central ring. This approach allowed the synthesis of all four benzo-(iso)quinoline isomers and the substitution of each ring of the benzo-(iso)quinoline core.