Hafnium (IV) bis(perfluorooctanesulfonyl)imide complex catalyzed synthesis of polyhydroquinoline derivatives via unsymmetrical Hantzsch reaction in fluorous medium

A facile and efficient synthesis of polyhydroquinoline derivatives was reported via four-component condensation reaction of aldehydes, dimedone, active methylene compounds, and ammonium acetate in the presence of Hf(NPf2)4 in C10F18 at 60 °C. The method offers several advantages including high yields, short reaction time, simple work-up procedure and catalyst reusability.