Metal-free one-pot synthesis of quinoline-2,4-carboxylates via a molecular iodine-catalyzed three-component reaction of arylamines, ethyl glyoxylate, and α-ketoesters

A simple and metal-free method has been developed for the construction of quinoline-2,4-carboxylates under mild conditions via a molecular iodine-catalyzed three-component tandem reaction of arylamines, ethyl glyoxylate, and α-ketoesters. The present protocol provides a convenient and attractive approach to various quinoline-2,4-carboxylates in moderate to good yields with excellent functional group tolerance.

Graphical abstractA simple, convenient and metal-free method has been developed for the construction of quinoline-2,4-carboxylates via a molecular iodine-catalyzed three-component tandem reaction of arylamines, ethyl glyoxylate, and α-ketoesters.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide