What is a Isoquinoline?

Isoquinoline is a heterocyclic aromatic compound with the molecular formula C₉H₇N. It is an isomer of quinoline, featuring a benzene ring fused with a pyridine ring, where the nitrogen atom is located at the 2-position of the fused ring system. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a slightly unpleasant odor.

Isoquinoline plays an important role as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, especially alkaloids like papaverine and emetine. It is widely used in producing anticancer agents, analgesics, and antihypertensive drugs. In organic synthesis, it serves as a versatile building block due to its reactivity. Though it appears in small amounts in coal tar, it is mainly produced synthetically. Isoquinoline is irritating to skin and eyes and should be handled with proper protection.

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