The synthesis of 4,5-dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines is reported. A key intermediate in the synthesis of 8-methoxy-4,5-dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines, 6-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-1-carboxylic acid (6), was prepared by using a regiospecific phenolic cyclization reaction. The P388 lymphocytic activity is reported for 1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,6-dihydro-8-methoxy-3-methylpyrrolo [2,1-a]isoquinoline bis(isopropylcarbamate) (11a), 1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,6-dihydro-8-methoxy-3-methylpyrrolo[2,1-a ]isoquinoline bis(cyclohexylcarbamate) (11b), 1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,6-dihydro-3-methylpyrrolo[2,1-a]isoqui nol ine bis(methylcarbamate) (13a), 1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,6-dihydro-3-methylpyrrolo [2,1-a]isoquinoline bis(ethylcarbamate) (13b), and 1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,6-dihydroxy-3-methylpyrrolo[2,1-a]isoq uin oline bis(cyclohexylcarbamate) (13c); all of the compounds were active. Compound 11a was tested in an expanded tumor panel and was shown to be active against B16 melanocarcinoma, CD8F1 mammary, L1210 lymphoid leukemia, colon 38, and MX-1 human tumor breast xenograft systems.