Catalyst- and Additive-Free Cascade Reaction of Isoquinoline N-Oxides with Alkynones: An Approach to Benzoazepino[2,1-a]isoquinoline Derivatives.

A cascade reaction of isoquinoline N-oxides with alkynones was developed, delivering a fluorescent benzoazepino[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivative. The reaction worked smoothly without requirement of any catalyst or additive, making this method economical and easy to handle.