AcBr/DMSO Mediated Sulfenylation of Pyrrolo[2,1- a ]isoquinolines.

We have developed a mild sulfenylation of pyrrolo[2,1- a ]isoquinolines with acetyl bromide and dimethyl sulfoxide. A wide range of functionalized pyrrolo[2,1- a ]isoquinolines could be prepared efficiently through the formation of a C-S bond with thiophenols (27 examples, 36-94% yields). The current strategy can also be utilized for functionalization of pyrrolo[1,2- a ]quinolines and indole.