Synthesis of 3-substituted 2-bromoquinolines utilizing 2-bromo-3-lithioquinolines generated by the reaction of 2-(2,2-dibromoethenyl)phenyl isocyanides with butyllithium

The first generation of 2-bromo-3-lithioquinolines can be achieved and they are utilized for the preparation of 3-substituted 2-bromoquinolines. Thus, 2-(2,2-dibromoethenyl)phenyl isocyanides are treated with butyllithium in THF at −78 °C to generate these novel lithium compounds, which are allowed to react with various electrophiles to afford the corresponding desired products in one-pot.