One-pot synthesis of 2-aminoquinoline-based alkaloids from acetonitrile.

α-Diaminoboryl carbanions, readily prepared from acetonitrile, stereoselectively convert 2-nitrobenzaldehydes into nitrophenyl (Z)-acrylonitriles. Subsequent reductive cyclization leads to a series of 2-aminoquinoline derivatives. The entire procedure is practically operated in a single flask.