Dipolar Bent and Linear Acetylenes Substituted by Cationic Quinolinium and Anionic Benzoates. Formation of Mesomeric Betaines.

3-Ethynylquinoline was subjected to a Sonogashira-Hagihara reaction with methyl 2-, 3-, and 4-bromobenzoates, respectively, and then N-methylated to give 3-[((methoxycarbonyl)phenyl)ethynyl]-1-methylquinolinium salts (two X-ray analyses). On saponification of the 3- and 4-substituted benzoates, the mesomeric betaines 3- and 4-[(1-methylquinolinium-3-yl)ethynyl]benzoates were formed. By contrast, the 2-benzoate derivative gave either the corresponding (1-oxo-1H-isochromen-3-yl)quinolinium derivative or the mesomeric betaine 2-(1-methylquinolinium-3-yl)-1,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-ide depending on the reaction conditions.