Iodine promoted synthesis of pyrido[2′,1′:2,3]imidazo[4,5-c]quinoline derivatives via oxidative decarboxylation of phenylacetic acid

Abstract

An unprecedented and efficient molecular iodine promoted domino protocol for the synthesis of N polycyclic pyrido[2′,1′:2,3]imidazo[4,5-c]quinolines were reported from phenylacetic acid and 2-(imidazoheteroaryl)anilines. This methodology was also extended for the preparation of benzo[4′,5′]thiazolo [2′,3′:2,3]imidazo[4,5-c]isoquinolines in good yields. However, this protocol proceeds via a sequential decarboxylation of phenylacetic acid with I₂/DMSO system followed by Pictet-Spengler cyclization in good yields.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Phenylacetic acid
• isoquinoline
• iodine and Oxidative decarboxylation

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the analytical group of CPS-DRL for spectral data.