Divergent One-Pot Two-Step Synthesis of Phosphoryl-Substituted 4-Quinolones and 3-Indolinones

Herein, an approach is developed for the selective two-step synthesis of phosphoryl-substituted 4-quinolones and phosphoryl-substituted 3-indolinones. This is achieved through the reaction of (3-(2-iodoaryl)-3-oxoprop-1-yn-1-yl)phosphonates with anilines followed by Cu-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of the intermediately formed regioisomeric enamines, which are selectively formed under neat conditions or in the presence of a gold complex as a catalyst. This method allows for the synthesis of a series of phosphoryl-substituted 4-quinolones and phosphoryl-substituted 3-indolinones in good yields.