Catalyst-Free Synthesis of Pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolines via Dehydration/[3 + 2] Cycloaddition Directly from 2-Methylquinolines, Aldehydes, and Alkynoates.

A simple and efficient catalyst-free synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoline derivatives from 2-methylquinolines, aldehydes, and alkynoates via dehydration/[3 + 2] cycloaddition has been developed. The reaction conditions are tolerant to air, and H2O is the only byproduct of this transformation, thus offering an environmentally benign process with a wide range of potential applications in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry.

Catalyst- and solvent-free approach to 2-arylated quinolines via [5 + 1] annulation of 2-methylquinolines with diynones.

A novel route for the synthesis of 2-arylated quinolines through a [5 + 1] annulation directly from 2-methylquinolines and diynones under catalyst-free and solvent-free conditions was disclosed. This synthetic process was atom-economic, with good tolerance of a broad range of functional groups, and with great practical worth.