Vilsmeier–Haack reaction on 3-arylisoquinolones resulted in versatile 4-formylated 3- arylisoquinolones that were further derivatized into 12-oxobenzo [c] phenanthridinones, 4- alkoxymethyl-3-arylisoquinolones, 3-aryl-4-phenoxymethylisoquinolones, 4-aminomethyl-3- arylisquinolone, and 3-isoquinolinyl-2-phenyl-acrylonitrile by different synthetic strategies.