Convenient synthesis of 10H-indolo[3,2-b]quinolines and 6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinolines by sequential chemoselective Suzuki reaction followed by double C-N coupling

Abstract

A convenient and regioselective synthesis of two series of indolo[2,3-b]quinolines, namely 10H-indolo[3,2-b]quinolines and 6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinolines, has been developed. The synthesis, proceeds in moderate to high yields, involving chemoselective palladium catalyzed Suzuki reaction of 2,3-dihaloquinolines with 2-bromophenylboronic acid, followed by a double Buchwald-Hartwig C-N coupling.