An efficient route to diverse H-pyrazolo[5,1-a]isoquinolines via sequential multi-component/cross-coupling reactions

Multi-component reaction of 2-alkynylbenzaldehyde, sulfonohydrazide, electrophile (bromine or iodine), and ketone or aldehyde under mild conditions proceeds smoothly to afford the functionalized H-pyrazolo[5,1-a]isoquinolines in good yields. This one-pot process involves intermolecular condensation, electrophilic cyclization, nucleophilic addition, intramolecular condensation, and aromatization. The resulting halo-containing H-pyrazolo[5,1-a]isoquinolines could be further elaborated via palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions.