Pyrrolo[2,1-alpha]isoquinoline as a skeleton for the synthesis of bioactive lamellarin H.

Lamellarin H has been shown to be active against the topoisomerase of the Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) and to have anti-HIV properties. 1-(3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dimethoxy-2-(2,4,5-trimethoxy-phenyl)-pyrrolo[2,1-alpha] isoquinoline (intermediate 2) is the skeleton for the synthesis of lamellarin H and its derivatives. The synthesis of intermediate 2 is reported here in detail. The intermediate formed is identified by means of IR spectrum, UV spectrum, MS, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and melting point measurements.