Iron-catalyzed divergent approach to naphthyridinones and quinolinones: leveraging Povarov and carbonyl-alkyne metathesis reactions of electron deficient alkynes

Abstract

We have successfully developed a novel synthetic route for the synthesis of naphthyridinones. This was achieved through a reaction between formyl-phenylpropiolamides and arylamines, utilizing an intramolecular Povarov reaction. Notably, this reaction exhibited remarkable tolerance towards a wide range of substituents, resulting in the formation of diverse products using simple reaction conditions. Additionally, we discovered that the same substrates can undergo intramolecular carbonyl-alkyne metathesis reactions in the absence of anilines. This versatile transformation enabled the synthesis of quinolinones and chromen-2-ones with high yields.