The unexpected cyclization routes of N,N′-bis(oxotrifluoroalkenyl)-1,3-phenylenediamines in polyphosphoric acid medium

The unexpected results of the cyclization reactions of N,N′-bis(oxotrifluoroalkenyl)-1,3-phenylenediamines [1,3-C6H4-(NHCRCHC(O)CF3)2], where R = H, Me, and Ph, in a strongly acidic medium (PPA), allowing the synthesis of new trifluoromethylated heterocycles containing the 1,7-phenanthroline nucleus in 32–40% yields and 7-aminoquinolines (38–40% yields), is reported. The bis-enaminoketone intermediates were easily isolated from the reactions of 4-alkoxy-4-alkyl(aryl)-1,1,1-trifluoroalk-3-en-2-ones with 1,3-phenylenediamine in ethanol under mild conditions (68–86% yields).