An expedient synthesis of indolo[1,2-a]quinolines via Mn(OAc)3-mediated oxidative free radical cyclization and NaI/O2-assisted dealkoxycarbonylation/aerobic oxidation cascade

An expedient synthetic procedure of indolo[1,2-a]quinolines was developed using a sequential Cu-mediated N-arylation of indole, Mn(OAc)3-mediated oxidative free radical cyclization, and NaI/O2-assisted concomitant dealkoxycarbonylation/aerobic oxidation. The last step was replaced by a palladium-catalyzed decarboxylation/elimination protocol for the allyl ester derivatives.