Self-catalytic, solvent-free or in/on water protocol: aza-Friedel–Crafts reactions between 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline and 1- or 2-naphthols

A self-catalytic protocol was developed using an aza-Friedel–Crafts method to generate 1-naphthoyl tetrahydroisoquinoline products under solvent-free conditions or in/on water. Yields were increased with the use of water. The reaction proceeded with 100% atom economy in the absence of any additional catalyst.