A new synthetic route to 2-alkyl-4-aryl-1(2H)-isoquinolones and 2-alkyl-4-aryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines
4-Aryl and heteroaryl-1(2H)-isoquinolones have been prepared by base promoted cyclization of phosphorylated o-aroyl and heteroaroyl benzamides. Subsequent reduction of the carbonyl and styryl functions of the annulated products has given rise to 4-aryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines.