Exploring Partners for the Domino α‐Arylation/Michael Addition Reaction Leading to Tetrahydroisoquinolines

Abstract

Sulfonates, sulfonamides, and phosphonates have proven useful nucleophiles for palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular α‐arylation reactions leading to tetrahydroisoquinolines. Although the sulfonate α‐arylation reaction can be successfully combined in a domino process with a broad range of Michael acceptors, only vinyl sulfones can be used in Michael additions when starting from sulfonamides. No domino process was developed with the phosphonate derivative. DFT calculations were carried out to gain more insights into the experimental differences observed in the reactions involving these substrates.