Cp*Co(iii)-catalyzed annulation of azines by C-H/N-N bond activation for the synthesis of isoquinolines.

Herein, an efficient, atom economic and external oxidant free approach has been disclosed for the synthesis of isoquinolines. Azines were employed for annulation reactions with alkynes via sequential C-H/N-N bond activation using an air-stable cobalt catalyst. The method takes advantage of the incorporation of both the nitrogen atoms of azines into the desired isoquinoline products, offering the highest atom economy. In addition, the developed protocol works under external oxidant as well as silver salt free conditions. Furthermore, the established methodology features a relatively broad substrate scope with high product yields and scalability up to the gram level.

N-Tosylhydrazone directed annulation via C-H/N-N bond activation in Ru(ii)/PEG-400 as homogeneous recyclable catalytic system: a green synthesis of isoquinolines.

A green and sustainable methodology for the synthesis of isoquinolines using Ru(ii)/PEG-400 as a homogeneous recyclable catalytic system has been demonstrated. N-Tosylhydrazone, a rarely explored directing group, has been successfully employed for an annulation type of reaction with alkynes via C-H/N-N activation. A short reaction time with a simple extraction procedure, a wide substrate scope with high yields of products, easily prepared substrates, biodegradable solvent, and scalability up to the gram level enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the proposed protocol. Further, the expensive ruthenium-based homogeneous catalytic system could be reused up to a fourth consecutive cycle without any loss in its activity.