Intramolecular cyclization of diarylmethanols and α,β-unsaturated amides promoted by KOt-Bu/DMF: a metal-free approach towards 3,4-disubstituted quinolinones

A facile synthesis of quinolinones through intramolecular addition of diarylmethanols to α,β-unsaturated amides promoted by KOt-Bu/DMF is reported. A series of 3,4-disubstituted quinolinones were obtained in moderate to good yields. A reaction pathway via the ketyl radical is proposed.