Synthesis of 3-methyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinolines based on myristicin

The reaction of a natural allylbenzene, myristicin, with nitriles afforded a series of 7,8-dihydro-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinoline and 6,7-dihydro[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-h]isoquinoline derivatives.