Ruthenium-Catalyzed Directed C(3)–H Olefination of N-Acetyl-1,2-dihydroisoquinolines: A Method to Achieve C3-Olefinated Isoquinolines

A unique approach to achieve regioselective C(3)-H olefination of isoquinolines under ruthenium-catalyzed conditions has been developed. The acetyl group of N-acetyl-1,2-dihydroisoquinoline acts as a directing group for this C-H olefination strategy. Removal of the acetyl directing group by a simple method leads to a quick access to C-3 olefinated isoquinolines. The methodology is a very good alternative to the traditional Heck reaction and substrates with halogen substituents are very good candidates for the transformation.