Synthesis of bacterial 2-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolone derivatives

The compound class of 2-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolones represents a unique group of bacterial secondary metabolites that have been the subject of extensive research since their first discovery over 70 years ago. New insights into their structural diversity and their role in the complex interactions in bacterial ecology and human pathogenicity are still being discovered. In parallel with the ongoing discovery of new 2-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolones and derivatives produced by microbes, synthetic methods were developed to facilitate access to these structurally diverse bioactive compounds. Here we present a detailed overview of the historical development and recent advances in their chemical synthesis.