Concise synthesis of pyrrolo[3,4-c]quinolines via a P(NMe2)3-catalyzed [4 + 2] annulation followed by a Zn/AcOH-mediated reduction–hydroamination–isomerization

A P(NMe2)3-catalyzed [4 + 2] annulation of 2-amino-β-nitrostyrenes and β′-acetoxy allenoates followed by a Zn/AcOH-mediated reduction–hydroamination–isomerization has been developed.