An efficient one-step synthesis of 2-arylquinolin-4(1H)-ones with the aid of a low-valent titanium reagent

A short and facile synthesis of a series of 2-arylquinolin-4(1H)-ones was accomplished in good yields via the novel reductive cyclization of 2-nitrochalcones promoted by TiCl4/Zn. This method has the advantages of accessible starting materials, one-step procedure, convenient manipulation, and moderate to high yields.