Cu(OAc)2 catalyzed aerobic oxidative 2-aryl-3-acylquinoline synthesis via aza-Michael addition and aldol condensation of α,β-unsaturated ketones and 2 aminobenzyl alcohols

A simple and efficient one-pot Cu(OAc)(2) catalyzed aerobic oxidative synthesis of 2-aryl-3-acylquinolines from 2 aminobenzyl alcohols and a,b-unsaturated ketones is described. The protocol proceeds via cascade procedure including oxidation of 2 aminobenzyl alcohols, aza-Michael addition and aldol condensation. The reaction progressed well with alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone bearing electron-donating and electronwithdrawing substituents affording the corresponding products in good to moderate yields. In addition, the selected 2-aryl-3-acylquinolines were further subjected for diversification leading to the functionalised hybrids of 2-aryl-3-acylquinolines. Atom and step-economic, broad substrate scope, and operational simplicity is advantageous which offer an alternative way for the synthesis of 2-aryl-3acylquinolines. (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.