Functionalization of tetra- and octahydroacridine derivatives through Michael addition

Abstract The catalyst-free sp 3 C–H functionalization of tetra- and octahydroacridine derivatives has been achieved using a Michael-type reaction with N -arylmaleimides. This method enables the facile synthesis of biologically important N -aryl or NH pyrrolidine-2,5-diones bearing tetra- or octahydroacridine moieties in a single step with high yields. The reactions of octahydroacridine-4-carboxamide with N -arylmaleimides react further to afford rearrangement products.