Microwave-assisted synthesis of 3-aminoarylquinolines from 2-nitrobenzaldehyde and indole via SnCl2-mediated reduction and facile indole ring opening

A simple and efficient one-pot two-step synthesis of substituted 3-aminoarylquinolines has been achieved from 2-nitrobenzaldehyde and indoles under microwave irradiation. Firstly 2-nitrobenzaldehydes is reduced to 2-aminobenzaldehyde in situ by commonly used chemo selective reductant SnCl₂ followed by condensation of indole. The acidic nature of the resultant reaction mixture due to SnCl₂ helps in the condensation and facile ring opening of indole leading to the formation of 3-aminoarylquinoline derivatives in good to moderate yields.