Twofold Heteroannulation Reactions Enabled by Gold(I)/Zinc(II) Catalysts: Synthesis of Amine-Substituted Diaryl[c,h][1,6]naphthyridines

A straightforward and atom-economical one-pot protocol catalyzed by gold(I) and zinc(II) for the synthesis of amine-substituted diaryl[c,h][1,6]naphthyridines from two different aromatic nitriles has been showcased. This dual-catalytic strategy is highly efficient, offering an array of tetracyclic heteroaromatic products in good to excellent yields. Furthermore, the base can efficiently catalyze the second annulation step, yielding structurally unique thiophene-fused [1,6]naphthyridines in good yields.