Regioselective synthesis of pyrano[3,2-f]quinoline and phenanthroline derivatives using molecular iodine

A series of polysubstituted pyrano[3,2-f]quinoline and phenanthroline derivatives have been synthesized by molecular iodine-catalyzed tandem reaction of various propargylic alcohols with or without substituted amines in excellent yields. Moreover, the cyclized side products are also pyrano[3,2-f]quinoline and phenanthroline derivatives.