Synthesis of 2(1H)-quinolinones via Pd-catalyzed oxidative cyclocarbonylation of 2-vinylanilines.

Palladium-catalyzed oxidative cyclocarbonylation of N-monosubstituted-2-vinylanilines constitutes a simple, direct, and selective method for the synthesis of 2(1H)-quinolinones. The reaction conditions are attractive in terms of environmental considerations and operational simplicity. 2(1H)-Quinolinones with a variety of functional groups were prepared in up to 97% yield.