Synthesis of pyrrolo-[2,1-j]quinolone framework via intramolecular electrophilic ipso-cyclization

The challenging pyrrolo-[2,1-j]quinolone core structure has been synthesized from N-(alkynoyl)-6-methoxytetrahydroquinoline in good yields using electrophilic cyclization as the key step. These reactions require simple starting materials and mild reaction conditions. In addition, we have demonstrated that the iodine moiety, which could be easily introduced in the final step, is very useful for further functionalization by employing various palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions.