A simple green synthesis of 4-aryl-tetrahydroquinoline-2,5-diones was developed, improving the three-component reaction of N-aryl substituted dimedone-based enaminones, aromatic aldehydes and Meldrum's acid. The method does not employ catalyst, heating or any special solvent or reaction condition, and has facile work-up and purification. Variations of enaminones and aldehydes substituents were somewhat tolerated.
enaminones; Meldrum's acid; quinolinediones; multicomponent reaction
