Nitration of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines

We have successfully modified a series of pyrrolo[2,1- a ]isoquinolines via direct nitration under mild reaction conditions. Easily accessible nitrates including CAN, Cu(NO 3 ) 2 ·H 2 O, and Fe(NO 3 ) 3 ·9H 2 O all can serve as effective nitrating reagents for functionalizing pyrrolo[2,1- a ]isoquinolines. Various nitro-bearing pyrrolo[2,1- a ]isoquinolines have been efficiently prepared in acceptable to good yields.