Synthesis and photophysical properties of 2-Aryl-6,8-bis(arylethenyl)-4- methoxyquinolines

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/molecules171214186

Iodine-methanol mediated oxidative-Aromatization of 2-Aryl-6,8-dibromo-2,3- dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-ones afforded the corresponding 2-Aryl-6,8-dibromo-4- methoxyquinolines in high yield and purity. The isomeric 1-(2-Amino-3,5- dibromophenyl)-3-Aryl-2- propen-1-ones reacted with iodine in methanol afford in a single pot operation the corresponding 2-Aryl-6,8-dibromo-4-methoxyquinoline (major) and 2-Aryl-6,8- dibromoquinolin-4(1H)-one (minor) products that were separated in sequence by column chromatography on silica gel. Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of the 6,8-dibromo-4- methoxyquinoline derivatives with excess arylvinylboronic acids afforded the corresponding 2-Aryl-6,8-bis(2-Arylethenyl)- 4-methoxyquinolines. The absorption and fluorescence properties of these compounds were also determined.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/molecules171214186

Molecules 2012, 17, 14186-14204; doi:10.3390/molecules171214186
OPEN ACCESS
molecules
ISSN 1420-3049
www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules
Article
Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of
2-Aryl-6,8-bis(arylethenyl)-4-methoxyquinolines
Tebogo Ankie Khoza 1, Marole Maria Maluleka 1, Neliswa Mama 2 and Malose Jack Mphahlele 1,*
1
Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Engineering and Technology,
University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria 0003, South Africa
2
Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000,
Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: mphahmj@unisa.ac.za;
Tel.: +27-12-429-8805; Fax: +27-12-429-8549.
Received: 8 November 2012; in revised form: 20 November 2012 / Accepted: 23 November 2012 /
Published: 30 November 2012
Abstract: Iodine-methanol mediated oxidative-aromatization of 2-aryl-6,8-dibromo-2,3-
dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-ones afforded the corresponding 2-aryl-6,8-dibromo-4-methoxy-
quinolines in high yield and purity. The isomeric 1-(2-amino-3,5-dibromophenyl)-3-aryl-2-
propen-1-ones reacted with iodine in methanol afford in a single pot operation
the corresponding 2-aryl-6,8-dibromo-4-methoxyquinoline (major) and 2-aryl-6,8-
dibromoquinolin-4(1H)-one (minor) products that were separated in sequence by column
chromatography on silica gel. Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of the 6,8-dibromo-4-
methoxyquinoline derivatives with excess arylvinylboronic acids afforded the
corresponding 2-aryl-6,8-bis(2-arylethenyl)-4-methoxyquinolines. The absorption and
fluorescence properties of these compounds were also determined.
Keywords: 1-(2-amino-3,5-dibromophenyl)-3-aryl-2-propen-1-ones; 2-aryl-6,8-dibromo-
2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-ones; 2-aryl-6,8-dibromoquinolin-4(1H)-ones; 2-aryl-6,8-
dibromo-4-methoxyquinolines; Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling; 2-aryl-6,8-bis(2-aryl-
ethenyl)-4-methoxyquinolines; photophysical properties

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1. Introduction
2-Aryl-2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-ones are valuable precursors for the synthesis of 2-arylquinolin-
4(1H)-ones and 4-substituted quinoline derivatives. The heterocyclic ring of 2-aryl-2,3-dihydro-
quinolin-4(1H)-ones enables different degrees of unsaturation via C2,3 dehydrogenation to afford the
potentially tautomeric NH-4-oxo derivatives [1–3] or oxidative aromatization to afford the 4-alkoxy-2-
arylquinolines [3–8]. The 2-arylquinolin-4(1H)-ones formed through dehydrogenation using either
iodobenzene diacetate under basic conditions in methanol [1] or thallium(III) p-tolylsulfonate in
dimethoxyethane [3] were found to undergo base-mediated alkylation to afford the corresponding
4-alkoxy-2-arylquinolines. The tautomeric equilibrium between the incipient quinolin-4(1H)-one and
its quinolinol isomer often leads to mixtures of N-alkylquinolinones and O-alkylquinolines,
particularly when primary alkyl halides such as iodomethane are used as alkylating reagent [9]. An
indirect, but sure-fire approach which involves oxidative aromatization of the 2-arylquinolin-4-(1H)-
ones with phosphoryl halides to afford the corresponding 2-aryl-4-chloro/bromoquinolines, followed
by dehalogenoalkoxylation, affords the 4-alkoxyquinolines, albeit in moderate yields [10]. The most
convenient direct syntheses of 4-methoxy-2-arylquinoline derivatives developed to-date involves
oxidative aromatization of 2-aryl-2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-ones using oxidative reagents such as
thallium(III) nitrate [4] or [hydroxyl(tosyloxy)iodo]benzene [5] in trimethyl orthoformate in the
presence of perchloric acid as catalyst, molecular iodine in refluxing methanol [3,6] or FeCl3·6H2O in
methanol [7]. We required polysubstituted quinolines in which an electron-acceptor 2-aryl-4-methoxy-
quinoline framework is linked to the π-conjugated spacer through positions 6 and 8 to comprise a
donor-π-acceptor system. Such derivatives would not be easily accessible via the known classical
methods such as the Skraup, Friedlander and Doebner-von Miller reactions. The 2-aryl-6,8-dibromo-4-
methoxyquinolines appeared suitable candidates for metal catalyzed cross-coupling to afford the
requisite donor-π-acceptor systems. This prompted us to prepare the 2-aryl-6,8-dibromo-4-
methoxyquinolines to serve as substrates for the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling with arylvinylboronic
acids to afford the requisite polysubstituted quinolines with potential photophysical properties.
2. Results and Discussion
2.1. Synthesis of the 2-Aryl-6,8-dibromo-2,3-dihydrquinolin-4(1H)-ones
The known 2-aryl-6,8-dibromo-2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-ones [3,11] appeared to be suitable
substrates for oxidative-aromatization to afford the requisite 2-aryl-6,8-dibromo-4-methoxyquinolines.
The 2-aryl-2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-ones are conveniently accessible via acid- or base-mediated
cyclization of the corresponding substituted 2-aminochalcones [12–14]. Base-promoted Claisen-
Schmidt aldol condensation of 1-(2-amino-3,5-dibromophenyl)ethanone with benzaldehyde derivatives
at low temperature (0–5 °C) previously afforded the corresponding 1-(2-amino-3,5-dibromophenyl)-3-
aryl-2-propen-1-ones after 35–40 h [11]. In this investigation, we condensed 1-(2-amino-3,5-
dibromophenyl)ethanone (1) with substituted benzaldehyde derivatives and found the reaction to
proceed smoothly and rapidly at room temperature to afford the corresponding 1-(2-amino-3,5-
dibromophenyl)-3-aryl-2-propen-1-ones 2a–d in high yield and purity within 6 h (Scheme 1).
Compounds 2a–d were, in turn, subjected to acid-mediated cyclization with orthophosphoric-acetic

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acid mixture to afford the isomeric 2-aryl-6,8-dibromo-2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-ones 3a–d (Scheme 1).
The 2-aryl-6,8-dibromo-2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-ones 3a–d were recently found to exhibit in vitro
activity against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line [11]. The 2-aryl-2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-ones
were previously found to serve as antitumour agents by virtue of their capacity to bind to tubulin and
thereby function as spindle toxins [15,16]. Moreover, some derivatives have also been found to act as
microRNA inhibitors and also to control cell proliferation by altering the microRNA levels [17].
Scheme 1. Synthesis of 2-aminochalcones 2a–d and their transformation into 3a–d.
O
O
O
Br
Br
Br
CH3
NH2
(ii)
(i)
NH2 C6H4R
N
C6H4R
Br
(1)
Br
(2a–d)
Br
H
(3a–d)
R
H
F
% Yield 2 % Yield 3
a
b
c
d
86
90
81
78
59
66
70
52
Cl
OMe
Reagents and conditions: (i) ArCHO, NaOH, EtOH, rt, 6 h; (ii) H3PO4, AcOH, reflux, 2 h.
We also obtained crystals of 3b of suitable quality for X-ray diffraction and the geometry of these
novel systems was thus further confirmed by X-ray diffraction (Figure 1) [18]. The six-membered ring
is in a half-chair arrangement, with the 2-aryl ring deformed out of the plane of the quinolinone ring.
Figure 1. X-ray crystal structure of 6,8-dibromo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-2,3-dihydroquinolin-
4(1H)-one (3b) showing crystallographic numbering. For clarity, hydrogen atoms are
not labeled.

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2.2. Synthesis of the 4-Alkoxy-2-arylquinolines
2.2.1. Oxidative-aromatization of the 2,3-Dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-ones
With the intent to synthesize 2,6,8-triaryl-4-methoxyquinolines for further transformation, we
subjected systems 3 to oxidative aromatization using molecular iodine (2 equiv.) in methanol under
reflux. We isolated the corresponding 2-aryl-6,8-tribromo-4-methoxyquinolines 4a–d in high yield and
purity without the need for column chromatographic separation (Scheme 2). The analogous naturally
occurring 4-methoxy-2-phenylquinoline and its 2-(methylene-dioxy-phenyl) derivative have been
found to exhibit inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv [19].
Scheme 2. Iodine/methanol-mediated oxidative aromatization of 3a–d.
O
OMe
Br
(i)
Br
N
H
C6H4R
N
Br
4a–d
C6H4R
Br
3a–d
4
R
% Yield
4a
4b
4c
4d
4-H
4-F
82
84
94
81
4-Cl
4-OMe
Reagents and conditions: (i) I2 (2 equiv.), MeOH, heat, 2.5 h.
2.2.2. Oxidative-cyclization of 1-(2-Amino-3,5-dibromophenyl)-3-aryl-2-propen-1-ones
A direct one-pot synthesis of the 2-aryl-4-methoxyquinolines from the isomeric 2'-aminochalcones
involving FeCl3.6H2O mediated oxidative cyclization in methanol has been described in the literature [20].
However, according to the authors oxidizing agents such as Mn(OAc)2, CAN, PCC, NBS,
Co(NO3)2–K2S2O8 and iodine in methanol all failed to effect oxidative cyclization of the
2'-aminochalcones [20]. We envisioned that the electrophilic and oxidative potential of iodine would
promote cyclization and oxidative aromatization of systems 2a–d to afford compounds 4a–d. Based on
this hypothesis, we subjected the 2'-aminochalcones 2 to iodine (2.5 equiv.) in methanol under reflux.
Interestingly in our case, we isolated in each case by column chromatography on silica gel the
corresponding (major) 2-aryl-6,8-dibromo-4-methoxyquinolines 4a–d and (minor) 2-aryl-6,8-dibromo-
quinolin-3(1H)-one derivatives 5a–d in sequence (Scheme 3). We rationalize the formation of products
4a–d and 5a–d as a consequence of the initial iodine-mediated cyclization to form the incipient 2-aryl-
2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-one. Protonation of the 2-aryl-2,3-dihydro-quinolin-4(1H)-one occurs to
afford B, which may undergo enolization to D or nucleophilic addition by methanol to yield a
hemiacetal C. Extrusion of water from C yields the enolether intermediate E, which then undergoes
iodine-promoted oxidative aromatization to afford 4. Iodine-promoted oxidative aromatization of
the enol derivative D (which may also be a consequence of extrusion of methanol from C), on the
other hand, affords the potentially tautomeric quinolinol derivatives 5'. The 4-quinolinol versus

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4-quinolinone tautomeric equilibrium has been found by spectroscopic and X-ray crystallography
means to favour the preponderance of the NH-4-oxo tautomer 5 in solution, gas and solid state [21].
Whereas systems 5b–d are described in this investigation for the first time, the 6,8-dibromo-2-
phenylquinolin-4(1H)-one 5a was previously isolated as a minor product from the reaction of 3a with
excess bromine (4 equiv.) in chloroform [22].
Scheme 3. Direct one-pot iodine-methanol–mediated oxidative-cyclization of 2.
H
I2
O
O
O
HO
O
M
e
Br
H
Br
H
Br
Br
(i)
MeOH
N
H
C6H4R
N
H
C6H4R
NH2 C6H4R
NH2 C6H4R
Br
Br
Br
Br
C
- MeOH
B
- H2O
A
2a-d
OH
OMe
Br
Br
N
H
C6H4R
N
H
C6H4R
Br
Br
D
E
+ I2
- 2HI
+ I2
- 2HI
O
OH
OMe
Br
Br
Br
N
H
C6H4R
N
C6H4R
N
C6H4R
Br
Br
Br
5a-d
5'
4a-d
R
% Yield 4 % Yield 5
4a
4-H
4-F
4-Cl
76
63
64
65
8
10
9
4b
4c
4d
4-OMe
8
Reagents and conditions: (i) I2 (2.5 equiv.), MeOH, reflux, 6 h.
2.3. Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling of the 2-Aryl-6,8-dibromo-4-methoxyquinolines
Bromoquinolines are of interest to chemists as precursors for heterocyclic compounds with
multifunctionality giving a wide variety of compounds through, e.g., couplings [23,24] and metal
exchange reactions [25,26]. A one-pot borylation of 8-bromo/chloroquinolines with bis(pinacolato)-
diboron and subsequent Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of the resultant 8-quinoline-boronic acids with
aryl halides, for example, previously afforded the 8-arylquinolines in high yields [23]. However, lack
of selectivity was observed for 8-bromo-6-chloroquinoline with 1 equiv. of bis(pinacolato)diboron and
the authors, in turn, used an excess of bis(pinacolato)diboron (2.2 equiv.) and phenylbromide to afford
6,8-diphenylquinoline in 94% yield [23]. Dibromoquinolines such as 5,7-dibromoquinoline and
8-benzyloxy-5,7-dibromoquinoline, on the other hand, undergo Suzuki cross-coupling with less or no
selectivity compared to many of the other dibromoheteroaromatics [24,27]. Our initial trial to effect
the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of 6,8-dibromo-4-methoxy-2-phenylquinoline (1a) and 4-fluoro-

Molecules 2012, 17
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phenylvinylboronic acid (1 equiv.) using Pd(PPh3)4 as Pd(0) source and K2CO3 as a base in DMF-water
(3:1, v/v) resulted in the recovery of the starting material. The failure of Pd(PPh3)4 to promote the
cross-coupling is probably due to the inhibiting role of the extra PPh3 generated in the second
equilibrium {SPd(0)(PPh3)3
SPd(0)(PPh3)2 + PPh3 (K2/[PPh3] << 1); S = solvent} to afford the
reactive low ligated 14-electron species (Pd(0)(PPh3)2) [28]. Conversely, the oxidative addition
performed by the palladium(0) complex (Pd(0)(PPh3)2Cl−) generated by the reduction of dichlorobis-
(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) (PdCl2(PPh3)2) is reported to be more than 30 times faster than that
performed from Pd(0)(PPh3)4 [28].
Application of dichlorobis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) (PdCl2(PPh3)2 as Pd(0) catalyst
source, on the other hand, led to incomplete conversion of 4a to afford the cross-coupled product 6a in
55% yield after 18 h. The prolonged reaction times and reduced yield prompted us to use
PdCl2(PPh3)2–tricyclohexylphosphine catalyst complex in DMF-water (3:1, v/v) and an excess of
arylboronic acid (2.5 equiv.) in the presence of K2CO3 as a base in analogy with the literature
precedents [23,24,27] and we achieved complete conversion of 4a to 6a within 3 h. Alkylphosphine
ligands, are known to coordinate with palladium and increase its electron density more so than
arylphosphines and, in turn, accelerate the oxidative addition and reductive elimination steps in the
catalytic cycle [28,29]. Extension of these reaction conditions to other dibromoquinolines 4 using
4-substituted phenyvinylboronic acids as coupling partners afforded the corresponding
2-aryl-6,8-bis(2-arylethenyl)-4-methoxyquinolines 6a–l in high yield without the need for column
chromatography (Scheme 4).
Scheme 4. One-pot Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of 4 with arylvinylboronic acids.
OMe
Ar
OMe
Br
(i)
N
C6H4R
N
C6H4R
Br
Ar
4a–d
6a–h
R
Ar
%Yield 6
6a
6b
6c
6d
6e
6f
H
F
4-FC6H4-
4-FC6H4-
60
68
88
86
69
81
64
60
63
60
60
65
Cl
4-FC6H4-
OMe
H
4-FC6H4-
4-ClC6H4-
4-ClC6H4-
4-ClC6H4-
4-ClC6H4-
4-MeOC6H4-
4-MeOC6H4-
4-MeOC6H4-
4-MeOC6H4-
F
6g
6h
6i
Cl
OMe
H
6j
F
6k
6l
Cl
OMe
Reagents and conditions: (i) ArCH = CHB(OH)2 (2.5 equiv.), PdCl2(PPh3)2, PCy3, K2CO3, dioxane–water
(3:1, v/v), heat, 3 h.

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The analogous aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl substituted quinoline derivatives have been found to serve
as potent inhibitors of tyrosine kinase PDGF-RTK [30], and anti-retroviral agents [31] or LTD4 receptor
antagonists [32]. The 4-alkoxy-3,6-diarylquinolines, on the other hand, are reported to exhibit potent
and selective agonism of the somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (sst2) and to represent promising agents
for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diseases [33]. Likewise, the 6- or 8-aryl
substituted 2,4-dimethoxyquinolines were found to exhibit high activity against the agriculturally
important nematode, Haemonchus contortus with potency comparable to that of the commercially
available levamisole [34]. Systems 6a–l are also analogues of the 2-aryl-3,4-bis(phenylethenyl)
quinolines and the 3,4-bis(alkynyl)-2-arylquinolines with potential to serve as molecular organic
materials in nanomaterials or building blocks for polyquinolines or quinoline-based copolymers with
enhanced photonic and electronic properties [35].
2.4. Photophysical Property Studies of Systems 6
Polysubstituted quinolines 6a–l comprise an electron-deficient quinoline framework as an
electron-acceptor linked to the 4-substituted aryl ring via a π-conjugated spacer to comprise a
donor-π-acceptor system. Preliminary absorption and fluorescence properties of systems 6a–l were
determined in chloroform at room temperature.
2.4.1. UV-Vis Absorption Properties of 4-Methoxyquinoline Derivatives 6
The electronic absorption spectra of the 4-methoxyquinoline derivatives 6a–l were acquired in
CHCl3 and the compounds absorb in the region μ 310–390 nm (Figure 1). The absorption spectra of
these compounds are characterized by intense absorption peaks near 310–350 nm and the less intense
ones around 360–380 nm. The band in the region 310–350 nm is due to π–π* transition attributed to
the conjugated quinoline ring of the molecule in analogy with the assignment for π-styrylquinolines [36],
whereas the lowest energy band which is largely of charge transfer character is due to the 2-aryl group.
Both the absorption maxima and wavelength are influenced by the variation of substituents on the
arylvinyl and the 2-aryl groups. Compounds 6d, 6f, 6i and 6k showed strong UV-vis absorption
intensities at around 340 nm reflecting the following trend in intensity: 6d > 6k > 6i > 6f. A
combination of the strong electron donating 2-(4-methoxyphenyl) group and moderately donating
4-fluorophenylvinyl substituents in 6d seem to increase the electron density of the quinoline ring thus
the π–π* transition. A combination of the relatively less donating 2-(4-chlorophenyl) group or
2-phenyl group and the two 4-methoxyvinyl substituents on the fused benzo ring also enhance the
absorptivities for 6f and 6i, respectively. Enhanced intensity comparable to that of 6f but at different
wavelength is also observed for 6h bearing the 2-(4-methoxyphenyl) group and the two
4-chlorophenylvinyl groups. Except for the 2-(4-methoxyphenyl) substituted derivative 6d, it seems
the presence of 4-fluorophenyl moieties in 6a, b and c led to reduced absorption intensities than for
derivatives bearing chloro atoms on the styryl groups. It appears the presence of the chloro atoms
increase the electron affinity of the quinoline ring than the fluoro atoms.

Molecules 2012, 17
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Figure 1. UV-Vis spectra of 6a–l in CHCl3 (2.0 × 10−5 mol/L).
2.5
6a
6b
6c
6d
6e
6f
2
1.5
1
6g
6h
6i
6j
0.5
0
6k
6l
290
310
330
350
370
390
410
Wavelength (nm)
2.4.2. The Fluorescence Properties of 4-Methoxyquinoline Derivatives
The fluorescence properties of compounds 6a–l have been studied at room temperature in the
moderately polar chloroform at the excitation wavelength of 355 nm (Figure 2).
Figure 2. The fluorescence emission spectra of 6a–l (excitation wavelength λex = 355 nm)
in CHCl3 (2.0 × 10−7 mol/L) at rt.
The fluorescence spectra of these compounds show similar pattern and are characterized by a single
emission band in the region 410–490 nm, which are attributed to π-π* transition of the conjugated

Molecules 2012, 17
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system. The fluorescence patterns of compounds 6a–l are affected by the presence of the halo
substituents on the styryl and 2-phenyl groups [37]. Systems 6c and 6f with mixed halides (F and Cl)
on either the 2-phenyl or styryl groups show increased emission and slight bathochromic shifts. A
combination of the 2-(4-methoxyphenyl) and 4-fluorophenylvinyl derivative 6d significantly reduces
the emission intensity than the other derivatives bearing the 4-fluorophenylvinyl substituents.
Increased emission and pronounced red shift effect are also observed for 6i bearing the 2-phenyl and
4-methoxystyryl groups. The increased intensities and bathochromic shifts are presumably the result of
increased π-electron delocalization along the vinylene bridge and/or the 2-aryl group towards the
electron-deficient quinoline ring.
3. Experimental
3.1. General
Melting points were recorded on a Thermocouple digital melting point apparatus and are
uncorrected. IR spectra were recorded as powders using a Bruker VERTEX 70 FT-IR Spectrometer
with a diamond ATR (attenuated total reflectance) accessory by using the thin-film method. For
column chromatography, Merck kieselgel 60 (0.063–0.200 mm) was used as stationary phase. NMR
spectra were obtained as CDCl3 solutions using Varian Mercury 300 MHz NMR spectrometer and the
chemical shifts are quoted relative to the solvent peaks. Low- and high-resolution mass spectra were
recorded at an ionization potential of 70eV using Micromass Autospec-TOF (double focusing high
resolution) instrument. The synthesis and characterization of substrate 1 have been described
elsewhere [38]. The UV-vis spectra were recorded on a Perkin Elmer Lambda 35 UV/vis spectrometer
while emission spectra were taken using a Perkin Elmer LS 45 fluorescence spectrometer.
3.2. Typical Procedure for the Synthesis of the 2-Amino-4,6-dibromochalcones 2a–d
1-(2-Amino-3,5-dibromophenyl)-3-phenyl-2-propen-1-one (2a). A stirred mixture of 2-amino-3,5-
dibromoacetophenone (1, 2.00 g, 6.80 mmol) and benzaldehyde (0.721 g, 6.80 mmol) and sodium
hydroxide (0.60 g) in ethanol (30 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 6 h and then quenched with
an ice-cold water. The resulting precipitate was filtered and then taken-up into chloroform. The
chloroform solution was dried over MgSO4, filtered and then evaporated under reduced pressure to
afford 2a as a yellow solid (2.23 g, 86% yield), m.p. 120–123 °C (ethanol); νmax (ATR) 688.9, 771.1,
974.0, 1186.1, 1336.5, 1514.9, 1560.6, 1592.5, 1644.8 3294.5, 3400.0, 3462.4 cm−1; δH (CDCl3) 6.92
(br s, 2H), 7.41–7.43 (3H), 7.48 (d, J 15.6 Hz, 1H), 7.62–7.65 (m, 2H), 7.70 (d, J 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.92
(d, J 15.6 Hz, 1H), 7.92 (d, J 1.8 Hz, 1H); δC (CDCl3) 106.1, 111.8, 120.7, 121.9, 128.5, 129.0, 130.6,
132.6, 134.7, 139.1, 144.7, 146.7, 146.8, 190.1; m/z 380 (100, MH+); HRMS (ES): MH+, found
+
379.9284. C15H12NO79Br2 requires 379.9286.
1-(2-Amino-3,5-dibromophenyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-propen-1-one (2b). A mixture of 1 (2.00 g,
6.80 mmol), 4-fluorobenzaldehyde (0.85 g, 6.80 mmol) and NaOH (0.60 g) in ethanol (30 mL)
afforded 2b as a yellow solid (2.45 g, 90%), m.p. 149–150 °C (ethanol) (Lit. 118–120 °C [11]).

Molecules 2012, 17
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1-(2-Amino-3,5-dibromophenyl)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-propen-1-one (2c). A mixture of 1 (2.00 g,
6.80 mmol), 4-chlorobenzaldehyde (0.96 g, 6.80 mmol) and NaOH (0.60 g) in ethanol (30 mL)
afforded 2c as an orange solid (2.30 g, 81%), m.p. 145–148 °C (ethanol) (Lit. 124–128 °C [11]).
1-(2-Amino-3,5-dibromophenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-propen-1-one (2d). A mixture of 1 (2.00 g,
6.80 mmol), 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (0.93 g, 6.80 mmol) and NaOH (0.60 g) in ethanol (30 mL)
afforded 2d as a yellow solid (2.25 g, 78%), m.p. 139–141 °C (ethanol) (Lit. 130–135 °C [11]).
3.3. Typical Procedure for the Synthesis of 3a–d
A stirred mixture of 2a (3.00 g, 7.87 mmol) and orthophosphoric acid (20 mL) in glacial acetic acid
(40 mL) was heated under reflux for 2 h. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and
then quenched with an ice-cold water. The product was extracted into chloroform and the combined
organic phases were washed thoroughly with saturated solution of sodium carbonate and then dried
over MgSO4. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was recrystallized
from ethanol to afford 3a as a light yellow solid (1.78 g, 59%), m.p. 135–136 °C (Lit. 131–133 °C [34]).
The following products were prepared in this fashion: 3b (1.97 g, 66%), m.p. 127–129 °C (Lit.
126–129 °C [35]); 3c (2.10 g, 70%), m.p. 133–135 (Lit. 138–140 °C [11]) and 3d (1.57 g, 52% yield),
m.p. 143–145 °C (Lit. 149–151 °C [35]).
3.4. Typical Procedure for the Aromatization of 3a–d with Iodine in Methanol
6,8-Dibromo-4-methoxy-2-phenylquinoline (4a). A stirred mixture of 3a (1.00 g, 2.62 mmol) and
iodine (1.33 g, 5.25 mmol) in methanol (20 mL) was refluxed for 3 hours. The mixture was quenched
with an ice-cold solution of saturated sodium thiosulphate and the product was extracted into
chloroform. The combined chloroform phases were dried over MgSO4, filtered and then evaporated
under reduced pressure to afford 4a as a white solid (0.84 g, 82%) m.p. 174–176 °C (ethanol); νmax
(ATR) 776, 868, 1002, 1219, 1357, 1477, 1576 cm−1; δH (CDCl3) 4.12 (s, 3H), 7.24 (s, 1H), 7.46–7.55 (m,
3H), 8.10 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.20 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.23 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.28 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H);
δC (CDCl3) 56.1, 98.5, 118.3, 122.5, 124.1, 127.6, 128.8, 129.9, 136.2, 139.2, 144.8, 159.0, 162.1; m/z 394
+
(100%, C16H12NO79Br81Br+); HRMS (ES): MH+, found 391.9277. C16H12NO79Br2 requires 391.9286.
2,6,8-Dibromo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-methoxyquinoline (4b). A stirred mixture of 3b (1.00 g, 2.50 mmol)
and iodine (1.27 g, 5.01 mmol) in methanol (20 mL) afforded 4b as a white solid (0.86 g, 84%) m.p.
172–175 °C (ethanol); νmax (ATR) 718, 828, 1002, 1218, 1361, 1481, 1583 cm−1; δH (300 MHz,
CDCl3) 4.08 (s, 3H), 7.12 (s, 1H), 7.18 (t, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.07 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.16–8.23 (m, 3H);
δC (75 MHz, CDCl3) 56.0, 98.0, 115.8 (d, 2JCF = 21.6 Hz), 118.3, 122.1, 124.1, 129.4 (d, 3JCF = 8.3 Hz),
4
1
135.2 (d, JCF = 3.2 Hz), 136.3, 144.6, 157.7, 162.1, 164.1 (d, JCF = 248.5 Hz); m/z 412 (100%,
C16H11NO79Br81BrF+); HRMS (ES): MH+, found 409.9175. C16H11NO79Br2F+ requires 409.9151.
6,8-Dibromo-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxyquinoline (4c). A stirred mixture of 3c (0.89 g, 2.14 mmol)
and iodine (1.09 g, 4.28 mmol) in methanol (20 mL) afforded 4c as a white solid (0.85 g, 94%) m.p.
198–200 °C (ethanol); νmax (ATR) 692, 820, 1000, 1093, 1219, 1357, 1437, 1479, 1588 cm−1; δH
(CDCl3) 4.10 (s, 3H), 7.16 (s, 1H), 7.62 (d, J 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.09 (d, J 2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.15 (d,

Molecules 2012, 17
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J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.26 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H); δC (CDCl3) 56.1, 98.1, 118.6, 122.2, 124.1, 125.9, 128.8,
+
129.0, 136.1, 136.4, 137.5, 144.7, 157.6, 162.2; m/z 428 (100%, C16H11NO37Cl79Br2 or C16H11NO35Cl
+
79Br81Br+); HRMS (ES): MH+, found 425.8974. C16H11NO35Cl79Br2 requires 425.8974.
6,8-Dibromo-4-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)quinoline (4d). A stirred mixture of 3d (1.00 g, 2.42 mmol)
and iodine (1.23 g, 4.84 mmol) in methanol (20 mL) afforded 4d as a white solid (0.82 g, 81%) m.p.
193–194 °C (ethanol); νmax (ATR) 1001, 1031, 1176, 1220, 1244, 1363, 1486, 1576 cm−1; δH (CDCl3)
3.88 (s, 3H), 4.06 (s, 3H), 7.02 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (s, 1H), 8.07 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.18 (d,
J = 9.0 Hz, 2H), 8.23 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H); δC (CDCl3) 55.4, 56.0, 97.8, 114.2, 117.8, 122.0, 124.0,
79
125.7, 129.0, 131.7, 136.1, 144.8, 158.5, 161.3, 162.0; m/z 424 (100%, C17H14NO2 Br81Br); HRMS
(ES): MH+, found 421.9378. C17H14NO2 Br2 requires 421.9391.
79
+
3.5. Typical Procedure for the One-pot Cyclization and Aromatization of 2 with Iodine in Methanol
Preparation of 6,8-dibromo-4-methoxy-2-phenylquinoline (4a) and 6,8-dibromo-2-phenylquinolin-
4(1H)-one (5a). A stirred mixture of 3a (0.50 g, 1.32 mmol) and iodine (0.83 g, 3.28 mmol) in
methanol (20 mL) was refluxed for 5 h. The mixture was quenched with an ice-cold solution of
saturated sodium thiosulphate and the product was extracted into chloroform. The combined
chloroform phases were dried over MgSO4, filtered and then evaporated under reduced pressure. The
residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (40% ethyl acetate-hexane) to afford 4a
and 5a in sequence.
6,8-Dibromo-4-methoxy-2-phenylquinoline (4a). White solid (0.390 g, 76%), Rf 0.77.
6,8-Dibromo-2-phenylquinolin-4(1H)-one (5a). White solid (0.04 g, 8%) m.p. 212–213 °C (Lit. 213 °C
[22]), Rf 0.37; νmax (ATR) 734, 843, 866, 1349, 1383, 1491, 1537, 1620, 3389 cm−1; δH (CDCl3) 6.60
(s, 1H), 7.56–7.59 (m, 3H), 7.66–7.71 (m, 2H), 7.96 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.48 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.64 (br
s, 1H); δC (CDCl3) 109.0, 112.3, 116.9, 126.3, 127.3, 128.7, 129.8, 131.3, 133.8, 136.1, 137.3, 149.5,
+
177.0; m/z 380 (100%, C15H10NO79Br81Br+); HRMS (ES): MH+, found 377.9128. C15H10NO79Br2
requires 377.9129.
6,8-Dibromo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-methoxyquinoline (4b) and 6,8-dibromo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)quinolin-
4(1H)-one (5b). A stirred mixture of 3b (0.50 g, 1.26 mmol) and iodine (0.79 g, 3.14 mmol) in
methanol (20 mL) afforded 4b and 5b in sequence.
6,8-Dibromo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-methoxyquinoline (4b). White solid (0.32 g, 63%), Rf 0.80.
6,8-Dibromo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)quinolin-4(1H)-one (5b). White solid (0.05 g, 10%), m.p. 225–227 °C,
Rf 0.50; νmax (ATR) 719, 831, 1221, 1490, 1543, 1579, 1614, 3388 cm−1; δH (CDCl3) 6.54 (s, 1H), 7.28
(t, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.69 (t, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.97 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.47 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.56
(br s, 1H); δC (CDCl3) 109.0, 112.3, 117.0, 117.1 (d, 2JCF = 22.2 Hz), 127.2, 128.5 (d, 3JCF = 8.6 Hz),
4
1
128.7, 129.9 (d, JCF = 3.4 Hz), 136.0, 137.4, 148.6, 164.5 (d, JCF = 251.6 Hz), 176.9; m/z 396
(100, MH+); HRMS (ES): MH+, found 395.9035. C15H9NFO79Br2 requires 395.9031.
+

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6,8-Dibromo-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxyquinoline (4c) and 6,8-dibromo-2-(4-chlorophenyl)quinolin-
4(1H)-one (5c). A stirred mixture of 3c (0.50 g, 1.20 mmol) and iodine (0.77 g, 3.02 mmol) in
methanol (20 mL) afforded 4c and 5c in sequence.
6,8-Dibromo-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methoxy-quinoline (4c). White solid (0.32 g, 64%), Rf 0.85.
6,8-Dibromo-2-(4-chlorophenyl)quinolin-4(1H)-one (5c). White solid (0.05 g, 9%), m.p. 237–239 °C,
Rf 0.29; νmax (ATR) 825, 1095, 1383, 1491, 1543, 1618, 3385 cm−1; δH (CDCl3) 6.55 (s, 1H), 7.55 (d,
J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.63 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.96 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.45 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.56 (br s,
1H); δC (CDCl3) 109.2, 112.3, 117.1, 127.3, 127.7, 128.8 (2 × C), 130.1, 132.3, 136.0, 137.5, 148.4,
+
+
176.9; m/z 414 (100%, C15H9NO37Cl79Br2 ); HRMS (ES): MH+, found 411.8737. C15H9NO35Cl 79Br2
requires 411.8739.
6,8-Dibromo-4-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)quinoline (4d) and 6,8-dibromo-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-
quinolin-4(1H)-one (5d). A stirred mixture of 3d (0.50 g, 1.22 mmol) and iodine (0.77 g, 3.04 mmol) in
methanol (20 mL) afforded 4d and 5d in sequence.
6,8-Dibromo-4-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)quinoline (4d). White solid (0.33 g, 65%), Rf 0.74.
6,8-Dibromo-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)quinolin-4(1H)-one (5d). White solid (0.04 g, 8%), m.p. 200–201 °C, Rf
0.26; νmax (ATR) 719, 824, 1030, 1179, 1250, 1490, 1510, 1609, 3388 cm−1; δH (CDCl3) 3.88 (s, 3H),
6.54 (s, 1H), 7.06 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.62 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.93 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.45 (d,
J = 2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.59 (br s, 1H); δC (CDCl3) 55.6, 108.1, 112.2, 115.1, 116.7, 125.8, 127.2, 127.7,
79
128.7, 136.0, 137.1, 149.3, 162.1, 176.9; m/z 410 (100%, C16H12NO2 Br81Br+); HRMS (ES): MH+,
79
+
found 407.9236. C16H12NO2 Br2 requires 407.9235.
3.6. Typical Procedure for the Suzuki-Miyaura Cross Coupling of 3 with Arylvinylboronic Acids
6,8-Bis[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethenyl]-4-methoxy-2-phenylquinoline (6a). A mixture of 4a (0.35 g,
0.892 mmol), 4-fluorophenylvinylboronic acid (0.37 g, 2.23 mmol), PdCl2(PPh3)2 (0.031 g, 0.045 mmol),
PCy3 (0.025 g, 0.089 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.246 g, 1.178 mmol) in dioxane/water (20 mL) in a two-necked
flask equipped with a stirrer bar, rubber septum and a condenser was flushed for 20 minutes with
argon gas. A balloon filled with argon gas was then connected to the top of the condenser and the
mixture was heated with stirring at 80–90 °C under argon atmosphere for 3 h. The mixture was
allowed to cool to room temperature and then poured into an ice-cold water. The resulting precipitate
was filtered and taken-up into chloroform. The organic solution was washed with brine, dried over
anhydrous MgSO4, filtered and then evaporated under reduced pressure to afford 6a as a yellow solid
(0.25 g, 60%), m.p. 201–203 °C (ethanol); νmax (ATR) 667, 769, 814, 831, 852, 961, 876, 1044, 1207,
1380, 1483, 1575, 1576, 1590 cm−1; δH (CDCl3) 4.13 (s, 3H), 7.08 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (t, J = 8.7 Hz,
2H), 7.18 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.23 (s, 1H), 7.27 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.47–7.58
(m, 5H), 7.65 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.14 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.17 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.23 (dd, J = 1.5
2
and 8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.48 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H); δC (CDCl3) 55.7, 98.9, 115.6 (d, JCF = 21.4 Hz), 115.7 (d,
3
2JCF = 21.4 Hz), 119.2, 120.9, 123.5, 125.1, 127.4,128.0, 128.1 (d, JCF = 8.0 Hz), 128.2, 128.4 (d,
4
4
3JCF = 8.3 Hz), 128.8, 129.0, 129.4, 133.4 (d, JCF = 3.5 Hz), 133.8, 134.2 (d, JCF = 3.5 Hz), 135.6,

Molecules 2012, 17
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1
1
140.1, 146.4, 156.9, 162.4 (d, JCF = 245.6 Hz), 162.4 (d, JCF = 246.2 Hz), 162.8; m/z 476
(100, MH+); HRMS (ES): MH+, found 476.1823. C32H24NOF2 requires 476.1826.
+
6,8-Bis[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethenyl]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-methoxyquinoline (6b). Yellow solid (0.28 g,
68%), m.p. 182–183 °C (ethanol); νmax (ATR) 717, 825, 1001, 1218, 1360, 1438, 1481, 1542, 1582 cm−1;
δH (CDCl3) 4.15 (s, 3H), 7.08 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.20 (d, J = 16.5 Hz,
1H), 7.22 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.29 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (t, J = 8.7 Hz,
2H), 7.65 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.17 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.20 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.23 (s, 1H), 8.43 (d,
2
2
J = 16.5 Hz, 1H); δC (CDCl3) 55.7, 97.6, 115.6 (d, JCF = 21.3 Hz), 115.7 (d, JCF = 21.6 Hz), 115.8
2
3
(d, JCF = 21.6 Hz), 119.3, 120.8, 123.7, 125.0, 128.1 (d, JCF = 8.0 Hz), 128.2 (2 × C), 128.4 (d,
3JCF = 8.0 Hz), 129.2, 129.3 (d, 3JCF = 8.6 Hz), 133.4 (d, 4JCF = 3.5 Hz), 133.9, 134.1 (d, 4JCF = 3.2 Hz),
4
1
1
135.6, 136.3 (d, JCF = 3.0 Hz), 146.4, 155.9, 162.3 (d, JCF = 245.3 Hz), 162.4 (d, JCF = 245.9 Hz),
163.0, 163.8 (d, JCF = 247.3 Hz); m/z 412 (100, MH+); HRMS (ES): MH+, found 411.9178.
1
+
C32H23NOF3 requires 411.9178.
2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-6,8-bis[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethenyl]-4-methoxyquinoline (6c). Yellow solid (0.36 g,
88%), m.p. 228–229 °C (ethanol); νmax (ATR) 816, 849, 1010, 1221, 1251, 1557, 1575 cm−1; δH (CDCl3)
4.13 (s, 3H), 7.08 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (s, 1H), 7.18 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.27
(d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.51(d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.54 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.64
(t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.14 (s, 1H), 8.15 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 8.43 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H); δC
2
2
(CDCl3) 55.7, 97.5, 115.6 (d, JCF = 21.4 Hz), 115.7 (d, JCF = 21.6 Hz), 119.2, 130.0, 123.7, 124.9,
3
2
128.1 (d, JCF = 8.0 Hz), 128.2 (d, JCF = 8.0 Hz), 128.4, 128.7, 128.8, 128.9, 129.2, 133.4 (d,
4JCF = 3.1 Hz), 134.0, 134.1 (d, JCF = 3.5 Hz), 135.5, 135.6, 138.5, 146.3, 155.6, 162.3 (d,
4
1JCF = 245.3 Hz), 162.5 (d, JCF = 246.2 Hz), 163.0; m/z 510 (100, MH+); HRMS (ES): MH+, found
1
510.1428. C32H23NO35ClF2 requires 510.1436.
+
6,8-Bis[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethenyl]-4-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)quinoline (6d). Yellow solid (0.36 g,
86%), m.p. 224–225 °C (ethanol); νmax (ATR) 777, 792, 852, 939, 961, 1209, 1228, 1292, 1483, 1507,
1558, 1601 cm−1; δH (CDCl3) 3.90 (s, 3H), 4.12 (s, 3H), 7.06 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.08 (t, J = 8.7 Hz,
2H), 7.10 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (s, 1H), 7.17 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.25 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (d,
J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.54 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.65 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.13 (s, 1H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 8.19 (d,
J = 9.0 Hz, 2H), 8.46 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H); δC (CDCl3) 55.4, 55.7, 97.3, 114.5, 115.6 (d, 2JCF = 21.7 Hz),
2
3
115.7 (d, JCF = 21.7 Hz), 119.3, 120.7, 123.6, 125.3, 127.9, 128.0 (d, JCF = 8.0 Hz), 128.3 (d,
3JCF = 8.0 Hz), 128.4, 128.7, 128.9, 132.7, 133.4, 133.5 (d, JCF = 3.4 Hz), 134.3 (d, JCF = 3.4 Hz),
4
4
135.4, 146.5, 156.6, 160.8, 162.3 (d, 1JCF = 245.3 Hz), 162.4 (d, 1JCF = 245.8 Hz), 162.7; m/z 506 (100,
MH+); HRMS (ES): MH+, found 506.1932. C33H26NO2F2 requires 506.1932.
+
6,8-Bis[2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethenyl]-4-methoxy-2-phenylquinoline (6e). Yellow solid (0.31 g, 69%),
m.p. 187–188 °C (ethanol); νmax (ATR) 698, 777, 810, 903, 1011, 1272, 1288, 1360, 1489, 1579 cm−1;
δH (CDCl3) 4.13 (s, 3H), 7.22 (s, 1H), 7.23 (s, 2H), 7.35 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.37 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.40
(d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.54 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.55 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.60
(d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.15 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.16 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.20 (dd, J = 1.8 and 8.4 Hz, 2H),
8.53 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H); δC (CDCl3) 55.7, 97.9, 119.67, 120.9, 123.7, 126.0, 127.5, 127.7, 128.0 (2 × C),

Molecules 2012, 17
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128.7, 128.8, 128.9, 129.0, 129.1, 129.5, 133.1, 133.3, 133.6, 135.5, 135.7, 136.5, 140.1, 146.5, 157.1,
+
162.9; m/z 508 (100, MH+); HRMS (ES): MH+, found 508.1247. C32H24NO35Cl2 requires 508.1235.
6,8-Bis[2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethenyl]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-methoxyquinoline (6f). Yellow solid (0.36 g,
81%), m.p. 213–214 °C (ethanol); νmax (ATR) 813, 826, 839, 860, 1217, 1308, 1511, 1589 cm−1; δH
(CDCl3) 4.12 (s, 3H), 7.15 (s, 1H), 7.22 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.23 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.35 (d, J = 16.5 Hz,
2 × H), 7.36 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.37 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.59 (d, J = 8.4 Hz,
2H), 8.13 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.15 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.19 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.48 (d, J = 16.5 Hz,
1H); δC (CDCl3) 55.7, 97.6, 115.6 (d, 2JCF = 21.4 Hz), 119.6, 120.8, 123.8, 125.8, 127.7, 128.0, 128.1,
128.8, 128.9, 129.0, 129.2, (d, 3JCF = 8.3 Hz), 133.2, 133.4, 133.7, 135.4, 135.7, 136.2 (d, 4JCF = 3.1 Hz),
136.4, 146.4, 155.9, 162.9, 163.8 (d, 1JCF = 247.6 Hz); m/z 526 (100, MH+); HRMS (ES): MH+, found
526.1143. C32H23NO35Cl2F+ requires 526.1141.
2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-6,8-bis[2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethenyl]-4-methoxyquinoline (6g). Yellow solid (0.28 g,
64%), m.p. 217–219 °C (ethanol); νmax (ATR) 822, 846, 969, 1012, 1151, 1161, 1211, 1361, 1491,
1591 cm−1; δH (DMSO-d6) 4.18 (s, 3H), 7.47 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (s, 4H), 7.60 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H),
7.65 (s, 1H), 7.67 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.73 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.14 (d,
J = 1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.40 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.44 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 8.48 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1H); δC
(DMSO-d6) 56.8, 99.0, 120.2, 120.9, 124.1, 125.8, 128.5, 128.6, 128.7, 128.8, 129.2 (2 × C), 129.4,
129.5, 129.6 (2xC), 132.6, 134.3, 134.9, 135.2, 136.5, 137.0, 138.5, 145.9, 155.5, 163.1; m/z 542
+
(100, MH+); HRMS (ES): MH+, found 542.0842. C32H23NO35Cl3 requires 542.0845.
6,8-Bis[2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethenyl]-4-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)quinoline (6h). Yellow solid (0.26 g,
60%), m.p. 244–246 °C (ethanol); νmax (ATR) 785.7, 805, 957, 975, 1170, 1215, 1292, 1363, 1489,
1588 cm−1; δH (CDCl3) 3.90 (s, 3H), 4.12 (s, 3H), 7.06 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.17
(s, 1H), 7.22 (s, 2H), 7.36 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (d,
J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.60 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.13 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.14 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.18 (d, J = 8.7 Hz,
2H), 8.51 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H); δC (CDCl3) 55.4, 55.7, 97.4, 114.2, 119.7, 120.7, 123.7, 126.1, 127.7, 127.8,
127.9, 128.0, 128.7, 128.8, 128.9, 129.1, 132.7, 133.1, 133.2, 133.3, 135.3, 135.8, 136.6, 146.6, 156.7, 160.9,
+
162.8; m/z 538 (100, MH+); HRMS (ES): MH+, found 538.1348. C33H26NO235Cl2 requires 538.1341.
4-Methoxy-6,8-bis[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethenyl]-2-phenylquinoline (6i). Green solid (0.28 g, 63%),
m.p. 195–196 °C (ethanol); νmax (ATR) 696, 775, 953, 1035, 1286, 1303, 1508, 1575, 1589, 1604 cm−1;
δH (CDCl3) 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 4.14 (s, 3H), 6.94 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.16
(d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.24 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 7.28 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (d,
J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2 × 2H), 7.64 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.12 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.20
(d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.24 (dd, J = 1.8 and 8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.46 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H); δC (CDCl3) 55.3
(2 × C), 55.6, 97.7, 114.1, 114.2, 118.4, 120.9, 123.2, 123.3, 126.5, 127.4, 127.8, 128.1, 128.7, 128.8,
129.2, 129.6, 130.1, 131.0, 134.3, 135.9, 140.3, 146.2, 156.4, 159.2, 157.4, 162.8; m/z 500
+
(100, MH+); HRMS (ES): MH+, found 500.2237. C34H30NO3 requires 500.2235.
2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-methoxy-6,8-bis[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethenyl]quinoline (6j). Green solid (0.27 g,
60%), m.p. 180–181 °C (ethanol); νmax (ATR) 788, 957, 1173, 1305, 1486, 1509, 1584, 1602 cm−1; δH

Molecules 2012, 17
14200
(CDCl3) 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 4.07 (s, 3H), 6.92 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.08
(s, 1H), 7.11 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.23 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (d, J = 16.5 Hz,
1H), 7.51 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.62 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.03 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.13 (d, J = 1.5 Hz,
1H), 8.19 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.38 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H); δC (CDCl3) 55.3 (2 × C), 55.6, 57.2, 114.1,
2
114.2, 115.5 (d, JCF = 21.3 Hz), 118.3, 120.8, 123.1, 123.3, 126.4, 127.8, 128.1, 128.8, 129.2, (d,
3JCF = 8.3 Hz), 129.6, 130.1, 130.9, 134.3, 135.8, 136.3 (d, 4JCF = 3.0 Hz), 146.1, 155.2, 159.3, 159.4,
1
162.8, 163.7 (d, JCF = 247.1 Hz); m/z 518 (100, MH+); HRMS (ES): MH+, found 518.2136.
C34H29NO3F+ requires 518.2131.
2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-4-methoxy-6,8-bis[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethenyl]quinoline (6k). Green solid (0.26 g,
60%), m.p. 201–203 °C (ethanol); νmax (ATR) 844, 899, 1011, 1083, 1129, 1304, 1461, 1484, 1574,
1604 cm−1; δH (CDCl3) 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 4.12 (s, 3H), 6.95 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (d,
J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.16 (s, 1H), 7.27 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.43 (d, J = 16.5 Hz,
1H), 7.51 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.63 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.09 (d, J = 1.5 Hz,
1H), 8.15 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.16 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.39 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H); δC (CDCl3) 55.3
(2 × C), 55.7, 97.3, 114.1, 114.2, 118.4, 121.0, 123.1, 123.4, 126.4, 127.8, 128.1, 128.7, 128.9, 129.0,
129.8, 130.1, 130.9, 134.6, 135.3, 136.0, 138.7, 146.2, 155.1, 159.3, 159.4, 162.9; m/z 534
35
(100, MH+); HRMS (ES): MH+, found 534.1829534.1829. C34H29NO3 Cl+ requires 534.1836.
4-Methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6,8-bis[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethenyl]quinoline (6l). Green solid (0.28 g,
65%), m.p. 181–182 °C (ethanol); νmax (ATR) 807.3, 1027, 1102, 1244, 1303, 1361, 1508, 1605 cm−1;
δH (CDCl3) 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 4.11 (s, 3H), 6.93 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (d,
J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.07 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (d, J = 16.2 Hz, 1H), 7.15 (s, 1H), 7.26 (d, J = 16.2 Hz,
1H), 7.43 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.65 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.07 (d, J = 1.5 Hz,
1H), 8.16 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.21 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.44 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H); δC (CDCl3) 55.3 (2 × C),
55.4, 55.6, 97.1, 114.0, 114.1, 114.2, 118.4, 120.7, 123.3, 123.5, 126.6, 127.8, 128.1, 128.6, 128.7,
129.5, 130.2, 131.1, 132.9, 134.0, 135.8, 146.3, 156.0, 159.3, 159.4, 160.8, 162.7; m/z 530
+
(100, MH+); HRMS (ES): MH+, found 530.1842. C35H32NO4 requires 530. 1842.
3.7. Crystal Structure Solution and Refinement
X-ray quality crystals of the title compound 3b were obtained by slow crystallization from ethanol
solution. Intensity data were collected on a Bruker APEX II CCD area detector diffractometer with
graphite monochromated Mo K radiation (50 kV, 30 mA) using the Bruker APEX 2 [39] data
collection software. The collection method involved -scans of width 0.5° and 512 × 512 bit data
frames. Data reduction was carried out using the program Bruker SAINT+ [40]. The crystal structure
was solved by direct methods using Bruker SHELXTL [41]. Non-hydrogen atoms were first refined
isotropically followed by anisotropic refinement by full matrix least-squares calculations based on F2
using SHELXTL. Hydrogen atoms were first located in the difference map then positioned
geometrically and allowed to ride on their respective parent atoms. Diagrams and publication material
were generated using SHELXTL, PLATON [42] and ORTEP-3 [43]. Crystallographic parameters are
summarized in Table 1.

Molecules 2012, 17
Table 1. Crystal data and structure refinement for compound 3b.
14201
Empirical formula
Formula weight
C15H10Br2FNO
399.06
Temperature
173(2) K
Wavelength
0.71073 Å
Crystal system
Space group
Monoclinic
P2(1)/n
Unit cell dimensions
a = 13.0752(6) Å α = 90°
b = 8.0086(3) Å β = 111.8230(10)°
c = 14.3026(6) Å γ = 90°
1390.35(10) Å3
4
Volume
Z
Density (calculated)
Absorption coefficient
F(000)
Crystal size
Theta range for data collection
Index ranges
Reflections collected
Independent reflections
Completeness to theta = 27.00°
Absorption correction
Max. and min. transmission
Refinement method
Data / restraints / parameters
Goodness-of-fit on F2
Final R indices [I>2sigma(I)]
R indices (all data)
Largest diff. peak and hole
1.906 Mg/m3
5.835 mm−1
776
0.41 × 0.40 × 0.20 mm3
1.80 to 27.99°.
−17 ≤ h ≤ 17, −10 ≤ k ≤ 10, −18 ≤ l ≤ 16
17097
3358 [R(int) = 0.0768]
99.9%
Integration
0.3882 and 0.1983
Full-matrix least-squares on F2
3358 / 0 / 185
0.922
R1 = 0.0277, wR2 = 0.0561
R1 = 0.0391, wR2 = 0.0584
0.470 and −0.709 e.Å−3
4. Conclusions
The generality, brevity and operational simplicity of iodine/methanol–mediated oxidative
aromatization reaction of the 2-aminochalcones or their 2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-one isomers and
the accompanying high yields make this methodology a suitable alternative to metal–catalyzed
aromatization and subsequent methylation or oxidative aromatization–dechloromethoxylation of
related derivatives. Elaboration of the 6,8-dibromoquinoline scaffold via Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling
with arylvinylboronic acids, on the other hand, afforded polysubstituted quinoline derivatives that
would not be easily accessible via the known classical methods such as the Skraup, Friedlander and
Doebner-von Miller reactions. The absorption and fluorescent properties of these compounds showed a
strong correlation with the substituent groups on the styryl and the 2-phenyl groups with the halo
substituents shifting both the absorption and emission maxima to shorter wavelengths. Many
styrylquinolines prove to be dyes with enhanced photo- and electroluminescent properties and they
find application in medicine and pharmacology [44]. The preliminary photophysical properties of
compounds 6 serve as a prelude to compounds with potential photonic or electronic properties.

Molecules 2012, 17
14202
Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful to the University of South Africa for financial assistance. MMM and TAK
thank the College of Science, Engineering and Technology’s “Cultivating Woman Leaders in Sciences
Program” for BSc Hon. Research Assistantship.
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© 2012 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).