Recent Advances in Quinazolines: Reactivity, Biological Activity, and Total Syntheses of Isoquinolino[1,2‑b]quinazoline Derivatives

Isoquinolino[1,2-b] quinazolines are heterocyclic compounds that have gained significant attention in recent years due to their important applications in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and chemical industries. They are used as antiviral, anticancer, and antimicrobial agents. This review examines various synthetic strategies for producing isoquinolino[1,2-b]quinazolines, focusing on ruthenium(II) and rhodium catalysts. It includes derivatives that incorporate quinazoline and isoquinoline building blocks. Additionally, the review discusses the reactivity of isoquinolino[1,2-b] quinazolines in ring-opening and ring-expansion reactions. It also highlights the total syntheses of selected isoquinolino[1,2-b]quinazoline derivatives, employing diverse methodologies, and explains their biological activities. Most of the literature reviewed consists of reports published since 1996, although some earlier significant contributions are also referenced.