The one-pot synthesis of quinolines via Co(iii)-catalyzed C-H activation/carbonylation/cyclization of anilines.

We herein disclose a novel Co(iii)-catalyzed C-H activation/carbonylation/cyclization of anilines with ketones using paraformaldehyde as the carbonyl source, giving direct access to diverse quinolines with broad functional group tolerance and in good to excellent yields. Moreover, exclusive site-/region-selectivity was observed in this versatile transformation.