Highly efficient synthesis of polysubstituted 1,2-dihydroquinolines via cascade reaction of α-ketoesters with arylamines mediated by iodine

An efficient strategy enabling the construction of polysubstituted 1,2-dihydroquinoline derivatives mediated by the commercially available, economical, and environmentally benign iodine (3 mol %) under mild conditions was developed. Various arylamines and α-ketoesters could participate in this cascade reaction, and the desired products were obtained in excellent yields up to 98%.