A novel approach to 2-arylated quinolines: Electrocyclization of alkynyl imines via vinylidene complexes

Alkynyl imines underwent [4 + 2] electrocyclization in the presence of 20 mol % W(CO)(5)(THF) to give 2-arylated quinolines in good yields. A deuterium labeling study suggests that the reaction proceeds via a tungsten vinylidene complex.