Synthesis of highly substituted cyclopentadienes containing quinoline nucleus

Synthesis of novel highly substituted cyclopentadienes containing quinoline nucleus is described. The initially prepared Knoevenagel adducts of 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehydes and malononitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate underwent reaction with acetylenecarboxylates and isocyanide in dichloromethane at room temperature within 12 h, affording a variety of the desired products in moderate to good yields. Mild reaction condition, use of simple experimental procedure and prompt isolation of the products are some advantages of this protocol.