Microwave-assisted, palladium-catalyzed carbonylative cyclization — Rapid synthesis of 2-quinolones from unprotected 2-iodoanilines and terminal alkynes

Palladium-catalyzed cyclocarbonylations of 2-iodoanilines with various terminal alkynes have been carried out by the use of commercially available molybdenum hexacarbonyl as a convenient and solid carbon monoxide source. The reactions were conducted at 160 °C for 30 min under microwave irradiation and in the presence of Et3N in THF, affording the corresponding 2-quinolone derivatives in good regioselectivities and yields.