Synthesis of furoquinolines from 2-alkenylanilines via anodic dearomatization and cascade cyclization

Abstract

Herein, we report an anodic dearomatization reaction followed by a one-pot nucleophilic cycloaddition/Bischler–Napieralski reaction of 2-alkenylanilines for the construction of structurally diverse dihydrofuro[2,3-g]quinolinones. These compounds represent an understudied subclass of furoquinoline scaffolds. This metal-free protocol features high atom economy and good functional group tolerance, providing a practical route to dihydrofuro[2,3-g]quinolinones. Notably, these products can be readily oxidized to furo[2,3-g]quinolines, which hold potential for the preparation of bioactive compounds.