A transition-metal-free method for the construction of functionalized quinolines from readily available acetophenones and anthranils is reported. This one-pot reaction cascade involves in situ generation of α,β-unsaturated ketones from the acetophenone via one-carbon homologation by DMSO followed by the aza-Michael addition of anthranils and subsequent annulation. DMSO acted in this reaction not only as solvent but also as one carbon source, thus providing a highly atom-economical and environmentally benign approach for the synthesis of 3-substituted quinolines.

An efficient method to access functionalized quinolines from the readily available saturated ketones and anthranils has been explored. This one-pot cascade reaction involves the in situ generation of α,β-unsaturated ketones by the copper catalysed dehydrogenation of saturated ketones followed by the aza-Michael addition of anthranils and subsequent annulation.

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