An efficient, catalyst- and solvent-free, four-component, and one-pot synthesis of polyhydroquinolines on grinding

An efficient synthesis of polyhydroquinolines is achieved via a four-component reaction of aldehydes, dimedone, active methylene compounds, and ammonium acetate in one-pot under solvent-free conditions at room temperature on grinding. The present method does not involve any hazardous organic solvent or catalyst. The key advantages are the short reaction time, high yields, simple workup, and purification of products by non-chromatographic methods, i.e., by simple recrystallization from ethanol. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.