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An efficient synthetic route to highly functionalized naphthalenes and quinolines has been developed using domino reactions between Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) acetates and active methylene compounds (AMCs) promoted by anhydrous K₂CO₃ in dry <i>N</i>,<i>N</i>-dimethylformamide (DMF) at 23 °C. The substrates incorporate allylic acetates positioned adjacent to a Michael acceptor as well as an aromatic ring activated toward a S_NAr ring closure. A control experiment indicated that the initial reaction was an S_N2’-type displacement of a side chain acetoxy by the AMC anion to afford the alkene product bearing the added nucleophile <i>trans</i> to the S_NAr aromatic ring acceptor. Thus, equilibration of the alkene geometry of the initial product was required prior to cyclization. Products were isolated in good to excellent yields. Numerous cases (24) are reported, and several mechanistic possibilities are discussed.