Copper-catalyzed synthesis of quinoline derivatives via tandem Knoevenagel condensation, amination and cyclization

A novel regioselective synthesis of 2-aminoquinolines and 2-arylquinoline-3-carbonitriles is described via copper-mediated tandem reaction. Formation of substituted quinolines involves Knoevenagel condensation of ortho-bromobenzaldehyde with active methylene nitriles followed by copper-catalyzed reductive amination and intramolecular cyclization.