Nickel-catalyzed cyclization of 2-iodoanilines with aroylalkynes: an efficient route for quinoline derivatives.

An efficient and convenient nickel-catalyzed cyclization of 2-iodoanilines with alkynyl aryl ketones to give 2,4-disubstituted quinolines was developed. The reaction can be employed for the synthesis of naturally occurring quinoline derivatives in good yields. On the basis of the regiochemistry of the products, the possible pathway for the reaction is via the formation of o-aminochalcone.