Traditional methods for synthesizing quinoline compounds often require harsh conditions, toxic reagents, long reaction times, and complex purification steps. Suresh Maddila, GITAM University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, Ganta Ravi Kumar, GITAM University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India and their colleagues have developed a cleaner, faster, and more sustainable approach for producing poly-substituted quinoline analogues—important molecules used in pharmaceuticals and advanced materials. The researchers introduce a one-pot method using a silver oxide–graphene oxide (Ag₂O@GO) nanocomposite catalyst. This catalyst is easy to prepare, non-toxic, cost-effective, and highly reusable. It enables fast reactions under mild conditions with excellent yields, offering a superior alternative to conventional methods.
The team performed a multi-component one-pot synthesis at room temperature using acetoacetanilide, dimedone, 2-methoxybenzaldehyde, and ammonium acetate in ethanol, catalyzed by Ag₂O@GO. Optimization studies showed that traditional acids/bases and individual metal oxides produced no or moderate results, whereas Ag₂O@GO achieved a remarkable 97% yield in just 20 minutes.
The proposed mechanism involves enolization, Michael addition, cyclization, and water elimination. Product structures were confirmed by NMR and HRMS, while catalyst characterization via PXRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, BET, and TGA demonstrated its structural integrity, surface area, and thermal stability. Notably, the Ag₂O@GO catalyst retained its efficiency over seven reuse cycles, making it a highly effective and sustainable choice for synthesizing quinoline analogues.
According to the researchers, this method offers a green, scalable route to synthesize valuable quinoline derivatives. It reduces waste, saves reaction time, and eliminates the need for toxic reagents. The catalyst’s durability and efficiency make it promising for industrial applications and further exploration in organic synthesis and drug development.
- A Facile, One-Pot, and Sustainable Synthesis of Poly-Substitute Quinoline Analogs by Ag2O@GO as a Promising Catalyst
Vasudeva Rao Pilla, Ganta Ravi Kumar, Harihara Padhy, Adapaka Venkateswara Rao, Saed Ayidh Althobaiti, Mohamed Mohamed Soliman, Lalu Venigalla, Suresh Maddila
ChemistrySelect 2025
https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202503870
