A convenient synthesis of quinolines by reactions of o-isocyano-β-methoxystyrenes with nucleophiles

2,4-Disubstituted quinolines have been synthesized by reactions of o-isocyano-β-methoxystyrenes, which can be easily prepared from commercially available o-aminophenyl ketones in three steps, with alkyl(or aryl)lithiums in generally good yields. Subsequently, o-isocyano-β-methoxystyrenes have also proved to react efficiently with lithium dialkylamides to afford the corresponding 4-substituted N,N-dialkylquinolin-2-amines in satisfactory yields.