Pyrido- and pyrimidoisoindoles: methods of synthesis and properties

The data on the synthesis, structures and chemical properties of pyrido- and pyrimidoisoindole derivatives with an azine ring annelated to a pyrrole ring, which have been published over the last two decades, are generalised. The structure of the π-electron system and the high reactivities of azinoisoindoles are discussed. Special attention is given to aromatic pyrido- and pyrimidoisoindoles.