Efficient microwave-assisted three-component one-pot preparation of 1-aryl-4-(2-acetoxyethyl)piperazines and 1-aryl-4-(2-acetoxyethyl)piperidines

A highly efficient one-pot, three-component microwave-assisted procedure has been developed for the preparation of 1-(para-substituted-aryl)-4-(2-acetoxyethyl)piperazines and 1-(para-substituted-aryl)-4-(2-acetoxyethyl)piperidines. Microwave-accelerated heating of electron-deficient aryl halides and potassium acetate with either 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) or quinuclidine at 180 °C for 120 min provided the title products in good yields and with general substrate scope. Similarly, subjection of potassium pthalimide instead of potassium acetate to the same conditions provided good yields of 1-arylpiperazines and 1-arylpiperidines containing a 2-phthalimidoethyl substituent at the C-4 position.