A variety of substituted acridones were synthesized via a one-pot, metal-free cascade reaction. In this event, the DBU-mediated addition between quinols and ortho-methoxycarbonylaryl isocyanates formed a bicyclic oxazolidinone, followed by a sequence of intramolecular condensation, tautomerization, and decarboxylation, which led to the formation of acridones. The acridones showed mild activity against
A mild and efficient synthesis of bicyclic oxazolidinonesfrom quinols and isocyanates, under DBU-mediated conditions at room temperature, is described. The aza-Michael addition to substituted cyclohexadienones is stereoselective and chemoselective.