Hg(OTf)2-catalyzed vinylogous semi-pinacol rearrangement leading to 1,4-dihydroquinolines.

An efficient method for the construction of dihydroquinoline derivatives possessing a quaternary carbon center is developed by an application of Hg(OTf)(2)-catalyzed vinylogous semi-pinacol-type rearrangement. The reaction was found to be specifically catalyzed by mercury salt and to proceed via a bicyclic aminal.