A new process of multicomponent Povarov reaction–aerobic dehydrogenation: synthesis of polysubstituted quinolines

A new domino process of three-component Povarov reaction and aerobic dehydrogenation was developed toward the synthesis of polysubstituted quinolines. 2,4-Disubstituted-8-nitroquinolines, which are important precursors for the synthesis of antimalarial primaquine drug-like molecules, were prepared conveniently by this method in moderate to good yields. Brِnsted acid (HClO4)-modified montmorillonite was found to be a crucial catalyst in promoting the procedure.