Abstract A simple and efficient procedure for a synthesis of isoquinoline alkaloids is described. The key step of the synthesis was a hydrocyanation of 6, 7-dimethoxy-3, 4- dihydroisoqunoline giving the corresponding 1-cyano-1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline. The asymmetric Strecker reaction was accomplished in high yield and high enantiomeric excess using Jacobsen's thiourea-containing catalyst. The 1-cyanoisoquinoline thus obtained ...
