One-Pot Synthesis of Furo3,4-cindolo2,1-aisoquinolines through Rh(III)-Catalyzed Cascade Reactions of 2-Phenylindoles with 4-Hydroxy-2-alkynoates

An efficient and regioselective synthesis of fused polycyclic furo3,4- c indolo2,1- a isoquinolines through Rh(III)-catalyzed cascade C–H activation/annulation/lactonization of 2-arylindoles and 4-hydroxy-2-alkynoates has been developed. This cascade reaction displays high step economy and efficiency and tolerates various functional groups. The titled polycyclic furo3,4- c indolo2,1- a isoquinolines exhibit fluorescence emission.