Cyclization of o-acylphenylacetic acids to 1-aryl-3-hydroxyisoquinolines

Methyl o-acylphenylacetates react with urea to give 1-aryl-3-hydroxyisoquinolines. 1-Phenyl-2-methyl-3-isoquinolone was obtained by the action of methylamine on methyl o-benzoylphenylacetate. The lactim-lactam tautomerism of 1-aryl-3-hydroxyisoquinolines is discussed on the basis of their UV and IR spectra. The biological activity of some 1-aryl-3-hydroxyisoquinolines with respect to 16 strains of bacteria was studied.