[4+n] Annulation Reactions Using ortho-Chloromethyl Anilines as Aza-ortho-Quinone Methide Precursors

Abstract

Aza-ortho-quinone methides are an important class of reactive intermediates, which have found broad applications in synthetic chemistry. Recently, 1,4-elimination of ortho-halomethyl aniline derivatives has emerged as a new powerful and convenient method for aza-ortho-quinone methide generation. This review will highlight their recent applications as aza-ortho-quinone methide precursors in annulation reactions to access various biologically important nitrogen-containing heterocycles. The general mechanisms are briefly discussed as well.