Many isoquinoline alkaloids are biologically active compounds and are successfully used as pharmaceuticals. Compounds belonging to isochinolines can be used as anesthetics, e.g. Quinisocaine (INN), antihypertensive drugs, e.g. Quinapril, Debrisoquine, antiviral agents – Saquinavir (SQV) used in the treatment and prevention of HIV / AIDS, and vasodilators, e.g. commonly used papaverine. In addition, tetrahydroisoquinolines (TIQs) derivatives constitute a wide group of compounds of pharmaceutical importance. These endogenous amines are present in the brain of mammals and are involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Currently, studies on the synthesis and pharmacological properties of TIQ derivatives is conducted on a large scale.
In the presented studies, the search for new compounds and synthesis of isoquinoline alkaloid derivatives was undertaken. A number of syntheses were carried out to obtain racemic products. Asymmetric reduction of 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines was conducted with borane in the presence of chiral terpene spiroboranes.