SmI2-mediated facile one-pot preparation of 2,4-diarylquinolines from 3-aryl-2,1-benzisoxazoles

On treatment with SmI2, 3-aryl-2,1-benzisoxazoles undergo reductive cleavage of the NO bond leading to 2-aminobenzophenones in high yields upon protonation. If aryl methyl ketones are added to the reaction mixture prior to protonation, the desired 2,4-diarylquinolines can be obtained in moderate yields under mild conditions.