Abstract Substituted β-phenylethylamides undergo smooth intramolecular cyclization to 3, 4- dihydroisoquinolines in good to excellent yields when treated with bromotriphenoxyphosphonium bromide at-60 C in dichloromethane in the presence of triethylamine. The reaction proceeds under the mildest conditions ever reported for Bischler- Napieralski-type cyclizations. When chlorotriphenoxyphosphonium choride is used, low ...