Synthesis of isoindolo[1,2-a]isoquinoline and isoindolo[2,1-a]quinoline derivatives via trifluoroacetic acid-mediated cascade reactions

Abstract Condensation of methyl 2-acylbenzoates with 2-arylethanamines or 2-acylanilines in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid resulted in the formation of isoindolo[1,2-a]isoquinolines or isoindolo[2,1-a]quinolines, respectively, in moderate to excellent isolated yields.