Tunable Synthesis of Indolo[3,2-<i>c</i>]quinolines or 3-(2-Aminophenyl)quinolines via Aerobic/Anaerobic Dimerization of 2-Alkynylanilines

Abstract

In this paper, an unprecedented selective synthesis of indolo[3,2- c]quinoline or 3-(2-aminophenyl)quinoline derivatives through Rh(III)-catalyzed stepwise dimerization of 2-alkynylanilines under aerobic or anaerobic conditions is presented. Notably, hexafluoroisopropanol is found to be a crucial solvent and promoter for the success of these reactions. In addition, the utility of the products thus obtained was showcased by their facile transformations into the pharmaceutically and photophysically significant naphthyridine derivatives.