Selective Reduction of Quinolinones Promoted by a SmI2/H2O/MeOH System

The selective reduction of quinolin-2(1H)-ones promoted by a SmI2/H2O/MeOH system is reported for the first time. The reaction is effectively carried out to afford 3,4-dihydroquinoline-2(1H)-ones under mild conditions in a one-pot fashion with good to excellent yields.