Synthesis of benzoindoloquinolizines via a Cu(I)-mediated C–N bond formation

An effective synthesis of the multi ring-fused benzoindoloquinolizines has been accomplished by Cu(I)-mediated and MW-assisted C–Namide bond formation of benzo[a]quinolizin-4-ones. The deamination of tetrahydro-2H-pyrido[2,1-a]isoquinolines was also studied and was found to give benzoquinolizines. The benzo[a]quinolizin-4-ones were prepared based on the annulations of C-1 substituted 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines and azlactones.