One-pot multicomponent synthesis of some 5,6-dihydro-benzo[h]quinoline derivatives

5,6-Dihydrobenzo[h]quinoline derivatives 4a–f and 5a–c were prepared via condensation of the corresponding arylidenes 2, with 1-tetralone in the presence of ammonium acetate and sodium methoxide, respectively, following thermal, microwave and ultrasound methodologies. The yields of 4a–f were moderate when the latter two methodologies used, but the products were pure. Ultrasound and microwave irradiation methods were also used in the synthesis of 4-aryl-3- cyano-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-benzo[h]quinoline-2-ones (6a–e) and its analogues 7a,b. The majority of compounds 4–7 were synthesized via one-pot multicomponent reactions of aldehydes, active cyanomethylene compounds, 1-tetralone and ammonium acetate. Attempts to cyclocondensation of the aminocyano derivative 4a,d with acetic anhydride in presence of conc. H2SO4 failed; instead the acetylamino derivative 8 was isolated. On the other hand, refluxing of 4d with formamide in DMF led to the formation of dihydrobenzo-pyrimidoquinoline 9 giving good yield. All prepared condensates were structurally elucidated by various spectroscopic methods. Screening of the potential cytotoxicity for compounds 4a–f on five cell lines, namely: colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116), Hepatocellular carcinoma (HEPG2), Human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7), Cervix adenocarcinoma (HELA) and Glioblastoma (U251), did not show any cytotoxic activity.