A novel protocol for the facile construction of tetrahydroquinoline fused tricyclic frameworks via an intramolecular 1,3-dipolar nitrile oxide cycloaddition reaction.

An efficient method towards the synthesis of quinoline fused tricyclic compounds involving an intramolecular 1,3-dipolar nitrile oxide cycloaddition reaction utilizing Baylis-Hillman derivatives in good yields has been described for the first time. A highly functionalized tricyclic framework was created by forming two rings and two adjacent stereocentres through the formation of two N-C bonds, one C-C bond and one O-C bond in a highly regio and diastereoselective manner.