Pictet-Gams Synthesis

A. Pictet, A. Gams, Ber. 43, 2384 (1910).

Formation of isoquinolines by cyclization of acylated aminomethyl phenyl carbinols or their ethers with phosphorus pentoxide in toluene or xylene:



Reviews: W. M. Whaley, T. R. Govindachari, Org. React. 6, 151 (1951); W. Y. Gensler, Heterocyclic Compounds 4, 361 (1952); W. Herz, L. Tsai, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 77, 3529 (1955); A. A. Bindra et al., Tetrahedron Letters 1968, 2677; N. Ardabilchi et al., J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. I 1979, 539. Cf. Bischler-Napieralski Reaction.