Microwave assisted sp3 C-H activation of 2-methyl-quinoline and addition to electron deficient ketones

A catalyst-free aqueous mediated nucleophilic addition of 2-methyl-quinolines with various ketones has been performed under microwave irradiation. The substrates alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones and diketones on reaction with methyl aza-arenes give selectively, 1,2-addition and mono addition products respectively with good yields. A significant improvement in this protocol is isatin which gives 3-substituted-3-hydroxy substituted product instead of bis(quinolin-2-ylmethyl) indolin-2-one derivatives. The whole protocol fulfils the principle of green chemistry and sustainability, minimizing the use of organic solvents and generation of any type of wastes.