An amine template strategy to construct successive C-C bonds: synthesis of benzo[h]quinolines by a deaminative ring contraction cascade.

We developed a convergent strategy to build, cyclize and excise nitrogen from tertiary amines for the synthesis of polyheterocyclic aromatics. Biaryl-linked azepine intermediates can undergo a deaminative ring contraction cascade reaction, excising nitrogen with the formation of an aromatic core. This strategy and deaminative ring contraction reaction are useful for the synthesis of benzo[h]quinolines.