Halogen Bond (XB) Promoted α-Tribromomethylation of N -Aryltetrahydroisoquinolines and Further Cyclization to 5,6-Dihydroindolo[2,1- a ]isoquinolines.

Using CBr 4 as a halogen bond donor and the source of tribromomethyl group, a halogen bond promoted tribromomethylation of N -aryltetrahydroisoquinolines was achieved. This reaction was also extended to the construction of the dibenzopyrrocoline alkaloid skeleton through a one-pot process. The mechanistic study confirmed the existence of the halogen bond.