One-pot, efficient synthesis of fused quinoline analogues via room temperature C(sp³)-N cleavage/aromatization reaction

One-pot transformation of N,N-dimethylaniline to fused quinoline derivatives was achieved through sequential oxidative cyclization followed by a concomitant C(sp(3))-N cleavage/aromatization reaction. The transformation was successfully carried out under an air atmosphere at room temperature itself. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the reaction follows the radical pathway. In silico studies showed that the synthesized molecules exhibit good caspase-3 inhibitory activity.