Rh(III)-catalyzed synthesis of isoquinolines using the N-Cl bond of N-chloroimines as an internal oxidant.

• First time use of N -Cl bond as an internal oxidant for isoquinoline. • Atom- and step-economic synthesis in a green solvent. • Under a mild condition with a broad substrate scope. • High coordinating and oxidizing reactivity. The Rh(III)-catalyzed coupling of N -chloroimines with alkynes for the efficient synthesis of isoquinolines is reported. This represents the first use of the N -Cl bond of N -chloroimines as an internal oxidant for construction of the isoquinoline skeleton. The synthesis features atom and step economy, a green solvent (EtOH), mild reaction conditions, and a broad substrate scope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]