An unexpected one-pot synthesis of multi-substituted quinolines via a cascade reaction of Michael/Staudinger/aza-Wittig/aromatization of ortho-azido-β-nitro-styrenes with various carbonyl compounds

Multi-substituted quinolines 3 were unexpectedly prepared from a cascade reaction of ortho-azido-β-nitro-styrenes with various carbonyl compounds. This method takes advantages of mild condition, simple work-up, high yield as well as wide substrate scope, which makes this method powerful for one-pot synthesis of multi-substituted quinolines.