Direct 1,4-difunctionalization of isoquinoline

The synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted isoquinoline derivatives was achieved in one step starting from isoquinoline. The process involved a nucleophilic addition in 1-position followed by an electrophilic trapping in 4-position. Interesting features were noted when C2Cl6 was used as the electrophile since different compounds could be isolated selectively only by adjusting the reaction parameters.