Rhodium-catalyzed synthesis of quinolines and imines under mild conditions

Abstract

An environmentally benign protocol for the synthesis of quinolines in aqueous medium by using a Rh(II)acetate/TPPTS recyclable catalytic system has been developed. Anilines reacted smoothly with allyl alcohols furnishing the corresponding quinolines in moderate to good yields. This catalytic system was recycled up to five runs without much loss in its catalytic activity. Furthermore, imines were also synthesized from benzylamines in moderate to good yields.