Transformation of Oximes of Phenethyl Ketone Derivatives to Quinolines and Azaspirotrienones Catalyzed by Tetrabutylammonium Perrhenate and Trifluoromethanesulfonic Acid

Phenethyl ketone oximes are converted to quinolines by the treatment with tetrabutylammonium perrhenate, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, and chloranil in refluxing 1,2-dichloroethane. Azaspirotrienones can be synthesized from p-hydroxyphenethyl or 3-(p-hydroxyphenyl)propyl ketone oximes by applying the above method. Thus prepared azaspirotrienones are converted to quinolines by acid treatment.