The synthesis of 1,4-ethano-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines as rigid analogues of adrenergic agents

The Diels-Alder addition of benzyne and 4,5-dimethoxybenzyne to 1-(2-trans-phenylvinyl)-2-pyridone and 1-benzyl-3-benzyloxy-2-pyridones provided members of the 1,4-etheno-3-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline system. Catalytic reduction of these adducts yielded the corresponding tricyclic lactams. Lithium aluminum hydride reduction of these lactams produced a number of 1,4-ethano-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines.