A method for the catalyst-free synthesis of pyrroloquinolinediones and quinolinedicarboxylates is developed through a one-pot synthesis involving denitrogenation of azide, benzisoxazole formation, aza-Diels–Alder cycloaddition, and dehydrative aromatization. Only stoichiometric amounts of N2 and H2O are produced as by-products. A comprehensive green chemistry metrics analysis indicated that this method is much more efficient and greener than two reported methods for the synthesis of pyrroloquinolinediones.
