Synthesis of Furo[3,2- b]quinolines and Furo[2,3- b:4,5- b']diquinolines through [4 + 2] Cycloaddition of Aza- o-Quinone Methides and Furans

J Org Chem. 2020 Mar 6;85(5):3059-3070. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.9b02953. Epub 2020 Feb 4.

Abstract

An approach for the construction of furo[3,2-b]quinolines and furo[2,3-b:4,5-b']diquinolines is developed through a metal-free [4 + 2] cycloaddition of easily available in situ generated aza-o-quinone methides and furans. The reaction tolerates a wide range of aza-o-quinone methides and substituted furans to afford the corresponding dihydro- or tetrahydrofuroquinolines in good to excellent yields. Mechanistic studies reveal that the reaction involves a concerted [4 + 2] cycloaddition pathway and shows a high regioselectivity of cycloaddition for a furan ring. The present method features mild reaction conditions, dearomatization of furans, high regio- and diastereoselectivity, gram-scalable preparations, and diversity of furoquinolines.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't