Catalyst and solvent-free alkylation of quinoline N-oxides with olefins: A direct access to quinoline-substituted alpha-hydroxy carboxylic derivatives

A catalyst/solvent-free, one-pot and operationally simple method for the synthesis of quinoline-substituted alpha-hydroxy carboxylic derivatives by the hydroxyheteroarylation of olefins with quinoline N-oxides is reported. The reaction features a high atom-economy, mild and reagent/solvent-free conditions, broad substrate scope and good selectivity with high yields. A preliminary mechanistic study to shed light into the reaction pathway was also carried out.