University Chemistry ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (7): 294-299.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202409092

• Chemistry Laboratory • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Synthesis of 1-Benzyl Isoquinoline via the Minisci Reaction

Huijuan Liao, Yulin Xiao, Dong Xue, Mingyu Yang, Jianyang Dong   

  1. School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
  • Received:2024-09-23 Accepted:2024-12-23 Published:2025-07-01
  • Contact: Jianyang Dong E-mail:jydong@snnu.edu.cn

Abstract: The Minisci reaction is an efficient method for synthesizing alkyl-substituted N-heteroarenes, involving the addition of alkyl radicals to N-heteroarenes under acidic and oxidative conditions. In this study, 1-benzyl isoquinoline was synthesized through the Minisci reaction using benzyl trimethylsilane as the alkyl radical precursor, ammonium persulfate ((NH₄)₂S₂O₈) as the oxidant, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the solvent. This experiment serves as a research-based laboratory exercise for junior undergraduates at our university, aiming to enhance students' scientific research and experimental operation skills, and stimulate innovative thinking.

Key words: Benzyl trimethylsilane, Isoquinoline, Minisci reaction, Teaching experiment