The fused cyclic 𝑁-acyliminium ion generated during the imide carbonyl activation reaction of phenethylphthalimide was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The Lewis acid assisted imide carbonyl activation methodology was successfully extended to synthesize fused tetrahydro-𝛽-carboline units from the corresponding 𝑁-indolylethylimides.

A facile and convenient method for the synthesis of substituted 2-(isoquinolin-1-yl)benzoic acids from isoindoloisoquinolinones in the presence of molecular iodine under sealed tube condition at 100◦C has been developed. This methodology involves the oxidative dehydrogenation and ring opening of hydroxylactam/methoxy lactam to furnish the 2-(isoquinolin-1-yl)benzoic acids. Some of these acids are successfully cyclized to furnish the azabenzanthrone derivatives, the potential precursors for the synthesis of menisporphine alkaloids and daurioxoisoaporphines.