Synthesis of hexahydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline compound libraries through a Pictet–Spengler cyclization/metal-catalyzed cross coupling/amidation sequence

Molecular libraries of natural product-like and structurally diverse compounds are attractive in early drug discovery campaigns. In here, we present synthetic methodology for library production of hexahydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline (HPIQ) compounds. Two advanced HPIQ intermediates, both incorporating two handles for diversification, were synthesized through an oxidative cleavage/Pictet–Spengler reaction sequence in high overall yields. A subsequent metal-catalyzed cross coupling/amidation protocol was developed and its utility in library synthesis was validated by construction of a 20-membered natural product-like molecular library in good overall yields.