An efficient, MnO2-catalyzed ligand-free synthesis
of
(E)-6,7-dihydrodibenzo[b,j][1,7]phenanthrolines, 13, and (E)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[b][1,6]naphthyridines, 15, utilizing, 2-amino-5-chloro-benzhydrol, 9, acridinol, 10, or 1-benzyl-4-piperidinol, 14, and benzyl alcohols, 11, is reported. The MnO2-catalyzed dehydrogenative Friedlander annulation utilizing
ChCl/p-TSA (DES-1) and subsequent C(sp3)–H functionalization
with TBAB/p-TSA (DES-2) was effected at 100 °C. The optimized
reaction conditions gave excellent product yields, and the products
were evaluated for their by UV absorption and fluorescence emission
studies.