Application of differential reactivity towards synthesis of lamellarin and 8-oxoprotoberberine derivatives: Study of photochemical properties of aryl-substituted benzofuran-8-oxoprotoberberines

A unique differential reactivity between dihydroisoquinolines and 3-nitrocoumarins was observed and was exploited for the efficient construction of lamellarins and their isomeric benzofuran-8-oxoprotoberberine derivatives under acid-catalyzed or base-promoted conditions. Further, these prepared aryl-substituted benzofuran-8-oxoprotoberberine derivatives bearing electron-donating substituents on benzofuran moiety are found to be benchtop stable but light-sensitive, and can undergo oxidative ring-opening reaction to give the corresponding keto products when exposed to visible light under aerobic conditions.