An atom-economical and straightforward methodology for the synthesis of quinolines from α-2-aminoaryl alcohols and secondary alcohols is presented. Using the Earth-abundant and air-stable iron catalyst under activating agent (such as NaBHEt3) free conditions, this acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling provides quinolines with high yields and good functional group tolerance. Importantly, the described protocol allows for secondary α-2-aminoaryl alcohols and β-substituted secondary alcohols, thus readily affording highly substituted fused polycyclic quinolines. Moreover, 39 substituted quinolines were prepared in up to 94% isolated yields by using this iron catalysis.
