A copper-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization reaction
of 2-isocyanoacetophenone
derivatives to afford 4-hydroxyquinolines chemoselectively is described.
The transformation proceeds through enol tautomerism and a subsequent
C–C bond formation. Compared to previous methods, this study
provides a new protocol for the construction of 4-hydroxyquinoline
compounds from functionalized isocyanides under mild conditions.