Aerobic α-Oxidation of N-Substituted Tetrahydroisoquinolines to Dihydroisoquinolones via Organo-photocatalysis

An efficient visible-light-induced α-oxidation of N-substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines to dihydroisoquinolones has been developed using eosin Y as an organo-photocatalyst and oxygen as a green oxidant. The reactions were carried out under mild reaction conditions; the desired dihydroisoquinolones were obtained in up to 96% yield at room temperature under oxygen atmosphere. This transformation provides a convenient route to dihydroisoquinolones with a wide range of substrates. (Figure presented.).