5,6-Dihydropyrrolo[2,1-b]isoquinolines as scaffolds for synthesis of lamellarin analogues

Efficient modular synthetic routes to open chain marine alkaloids such as analogues of lamellarins have been developed. 5,6-Dihydropyrrolo[2,1-b]isoquinoline scaffolds were prepared, and protocols enabling regioselective bromination followed by Suzuki cross-coupling were established for the introduction of aryl groups onto the 2- and 3-positions.