α,β-Functionalization of saturated ketones with anthranils via Cu-catalyzed sequential dehydrogenation/aza-Michael addition/annulation cascade reactions in one-pot.

An efficient method to access functionalized quinolines from the readily available saturated ketones and anthranils has been explored. This one-pot cascade reaction involves the in situ generation of α,β-unsaturated ketones by the copper catalysed dehydrogenation of saturated ketones followed by the aza-Michael addition of anthranils and subsequent annulation.