A convenient procedure for the synthesis of fused fluoro isoquinolines

A base-promoted conversion of ortho-trifluoromethyl benzyl derivatives of NH-heterocycles into a respective fluorinated isoquinolines (38–57% isolated yields) is reported. The reaction is general for the benzylated derivatives of the electron-rich NH-heterocycles and the respective derivatives of pyrazole. The outcome of the reaction could be explained by an intermediate formation of a highly reactive quinone methide species.