Microwave-assisted α-halogenation of 2-methylquinolines with tetrabutylammonium iodide and 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-dibromoethane)

A simple and efficient methodology permitting the halogenation of 2-methylquinolines into 2-(chloromethyl)quinolines or 2-(bromomethyl)quinolines in the tetrabutylammonium iodide and 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-dibromoethane) system has been developed for the first time. The halogenation can be rapidly completed with good to excellent yields and high selectivity under microwave irradiation.