A Metal-Free TBHP-Triggered Cascade Cyclization of 2-Arylindoles with Alcohols: Synthesis of Hydroxyalkylated Indolo[2,1- a ]isoquinoline Derivatives.

A practical method for the synthesis of hydroxyalkylated indolo[2,1- a ]isoquinoline derivatives through the metal-free cascade cyclization of 2-arylindoles with alcohols in the presence of tert -butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) is disclosed. The present method features transition-metal-free conditions and exceptional functional group tolerance. A series of valuable hydroxyalkylated indolo[2,1- a ]isoquinoline derivatives bearing various functional groups is synthesized in moderate to excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]