Synthesis of quinolones by nickel-catalyzed cycloaddition via elimination of nitrile

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ol303546p

Substituted quinolones were efficiently synthesized via the nickel-catalyzed cycloaddition of o-cyanophenylbenzamide derivatives with alkynes. The reaction involves elimination of a nitrile group by cleavage of the two independent aryl-cyano and aryl-carbonyl C-C bonds of the amides.