The reaction of imines with alkynes and alkenes, in the presence of 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone (DDQ), to give quinoline derivatives is described. The mechanism of the annulation is discussed, and evidence supporting a non-concerted pathway, at least when the alkene is butyl vinyl ether, is reported. Preliminary information is also given about solid adducts of imines with DDQ, which do
Aromatic imines react with phenylacetylene or styrene in an acetonitrile solution of iron(III) chloride to give quinolines 3 or their tetrahydro derivatives 11 together with variable amounts of products 4 arising from the reduction of the imines. The initial step appears to be a one-electron oxidation to generate iron(II) and an imine radical cation. When the reactions are carried out in the presence of stoichiometric amounts of tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone (chloranil), only quinolines 3 are obtained.