An unexpected multicomponent reaction leading to 2-arylpyrrolo[2,3,4-kl]acridin-1(2H)-ones

An unexpected condensation profile was observed for the three-component reaction of 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadione (dimedone), various anilines, and isatin leading to the synthesis of novel 2-arylpyrrolo[2,3,4-kl]acridin-1(2H)-ones in the ionic liquid [HMIm]HSO4. Regeneration of the enamine group after the initial condensation reaction associated with participation of the restored amine group in translactonization with the pyrrolidone ring are suggested as the main differentiating events being favored over addition of the second dimedone molecule, with respect to similar reported reactions.