Synthesis and characterization of quinoline derivatives via the Friedländer reaction

A rapid and efficient method for the synthesis of various poly-substituted quinolines has been developed via the Friedländer condensation of 2-aminoarylaldehyde with a carbonyl compound containing a reactive α-methylene group in the presence of sodium ethoxide (10 mol %). The new tetrahydroacridine derivatives and 11H-indeno[1,2-b]quinolines were synthesized in high yield with sodium ethoxide as a catalyst via the Friedländer reaction. The conditions of reaction were discussed and the possible reaction mechanism was proposed.