Iodine-catalyzed coupling of β-hydroxyketones with aromatic amines to form β-aminoketones and Benzo[h]quinolones

Abstract

An iodine-catalyzed coupling of β-hydroxyketones with aromatic amines to yield β-aminoketones and benzo[h]quinolones had been developed. Noble metallic catalysts, oxidants, α, β-unsaturated ketone intermediates and aza-Michael addition were not involved in this coupling reaction which made it unique when compared to other reactions reported in literature. Inexpensive iodine catalyst, easy accessible raw materials, mild reaction conditions, good functional group tolerance and excellent selectivity made this coupling reaction be a practical method. This reaction can also be scaled up.