Direct Catalytic Decarboxylative C1-Alkylation of Unprotected Tetrahydroisoquinolines via Photoredox Catalysis
Abstract
The direct catalytic functionalization at the C1-position of unprotected tetrahydroisoquinolines (THIQs) remains a challenging task in synthetic chemistry. In this study, we have developed a photocatalytic strategy that utilizes readily available alkyl carboxylic acids as alkylating agents. Under the catalysis of 9-phenylacridine and visible-light irradiation, direct decarboxylative alkylation of unprotected THIQs has been achieved. This method requires no prefunctionalization of substrates and exhibits excellent substrate compatibility with a wide range of carboxylic acids and THIQ derivatives, providing an efficient and versatile approach for the rapid assembly of pharmaceutically active C1-alkylated 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline (DHIQ) skeletons.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Catalytic C–H Functionalization Methods
Radical Photochemical Reactions
Berberine and alkaloids research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Organic Letters
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 28
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 1475–1480
- Publication date
- 19 January 2026
- Language
- EN