Base-Promoted Tandem Synthesis of 2‑Azaaryl Tetrahydroquinolines

A novel method to synthesize 2-azaaryl tetrahydroquinolines by the base-promoted tandem reaction of azaaryl methyl amines and styrene derivatives is reported (over 30 examples, yields up to 95%). Mechanistic probe experiments demonstrate that the deprotonation of the benzylic C–H bond and the addition to the styrene vinyl group proceeds via the S_NAr mechanism.