Studies into the generation and Diels-Alder reactions of 7,8-quinolyne with furan dienes

Reaction of an appropriate ortho-halo tosylate precursor with organolithium reagents provides the first conclusive route to the intermediate, 7,8-quinolyne. The transient existence of this hetaryne was confirmed by Diels-Alder reactions with furan derivatives that provide endoxide adducts. Chemical induced rearrangement of these adducts allows entry to key compounds of 10-hydroxy[h]benzoquinoline and its 7-substituted derivatives in modest yields.