FeCl2 catalyzed direct modification of dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines with phenols.

A mild catalytic modification of dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines with various phenols via the formation of heteroarene cation radicals as key intermediates has been developed. A range of direct cross-coupling products could be obtained in acceptable to excellent yields (up to 98%) in the presence of FeCl2.