tert-Amino effect in naphthalene proton sponges: a novel approach to benzo[h]quinoline and quino[7,8:7’,8’]quinoline derivatives

2-Vinyl- and 2,7-divinyl-1,8-bis(dimethylamino)naphthalenes with strong –M substituents in the β-positions of vinyl groups have been shown to undergo a tert-amino-type rearrangement providing a new and facile route to benzo[h]quinoline and quino[7,8:7’,8’]quinoline derivatives.