Reactions of heterocyclic quinone methides: A facile entry to synthesize the alkaloid, flindersine and its analogues

A concise synthesis of pyranoquinoline based alkaloids, flindersine, 8-methoxy flindersine and N-methyl flindersine, from the respective 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-2(1H)-quinolines, using 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone and dimethyl acrylic acid generated through quinone methide intermediates is reported.