Quinoline should not be confused with quinolone.
Quinoline is a heterocyclic aromatic organic compound with the chemical formula C9H7N. It is a colorless hygroscopic liquid with a strong odor. Aged samples, especially if exposed to light, become yellow and later brown. Quinoline is only slightly soluble in cold water but dissolves readily in hot water and most organic solvents.[1] Quinoline itself has few applications, but many of its derivatives are useful in diverse applications. A prominent example is quinine, an alkaloid found in plants. Over 200 biologically active quinoline and quinazoline alkaloids are identified.[2] [3] 4-Hydroxy-2-alkylquinolines (HAQs) are involved in antibiotic resistance.
Quinoline was first extracted from coal tar in 1834 by German chemist Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge;[1] he called quinoline leukol ("white oil" in Greek).[4] Coal tar remains the principal source of commercial quinoline. In 1842, French chemist Charles Gerhardt obtained a compound by dry distilling quinine, strychnine, or cinchonine with potassium hydroxide;[1] he called the compound Chinoilin or Chinolein.[5] Runge's and Gephardt's compounds seemed to be distinct isomers because they reacted differently. However, the German chemist August Hoffmann eventually recognized that the differences in behaviors was due to the presence of contaminants and that the two compounds were actually identical.[6] The only report of quinoline as a natural product is from the Peruvian stick insectOreophoetes peruana. They have a pair of thoracic glands from which they discharge a malodorous fluid containing quinoline when disturbed.[7]
Like other nitrogen heterocyclic compounds, such as pyridine derivatives, quinoline is often reported as an environmental contaminant associated with facilities processing oil shale or coal, and has also been found at legacy wood treatment sites. Owing to its relatively high solubility in water quinoline has significant potential for mobility in the environment, which may promote water contamination. Quinoline is readily degradable by certain microorganisms, such as Rhodococcus species Strain Q1, which was isolated from soil and paper mill sludge.[8]
Quinolines are present in small amounts in crude oil within the virgin diesel fraction. It can be removed by the process called hydrodenitrification.
Quinolines are often synthesized from simple anilines using a number of named reactions.
Going clockwise from top these are:
A number of other processes exist, which require specifically substituted anilines or related compounds:
Quinolines are reduced to tetrahydroquinolines enantioselectively using several catalyst systems.[9] [10]
Quinolines are used in the manufacture of dyes and the preparation of hydroxyquinoline sulfate and niacin. It is also used as a solvent for resins and terpenes.
Quinoline is mainly used as in the production of other specialty chemicals. Approximately 4 tonnes were produced annually according to a report published in 2005. Its principal use is as a precursor to 8-hydroxyquinoline, which is a versatile chelating agent and precursor to pesticides. Its 2- and 4-methyl derivatives are precursors to cyanine dyes. Oxidation of quinoline affords quinolinic acid (pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid), a precursor to the herbicide sold under the name "Assert".
The reduction of quinoline with sodium borohydride in the presence of acetic acid is known to produce Kairoline A.[11] (C.f. Kairine)
Several anti-malarial drugs contain quinoline substituents. These include quinine, chloroquine, amodiaquine, and primaquine.
Quinoline is used as a solvent and reagent in organic synthesis.[12]
Quinolinium compounds (e.g. salts) can also be used as corrosion inhibitors and intensifiers.