AgOTf and TfOH co-catalyzed isoquinoline synthesis via redox reactions of O-alkyl oximes

Under AgOTf and Brønsted acid co-catalysis, O-alkyl o-alkynylbenzaldoxime derivatives undergo a cyclization-induced N–O cleavage to produce isoquinolines with the simultaneous oxidation of O-alkyl group. This redox-based method provides a general access to diverse isoquinoline-derived heterocycles that are simple, efficient, and tolerant of various functional groups from readily available and hydrolytically stable oxime precursors.