Hydride transfer-initiated synthesis of 3-functionalized quinolines by deconstruction of isoquinoline derivatives.

Under transition metal catalyst-free conditions, we herein present a hydride transfer-initiated construction of novel 3-(2-aminomethyl)aryl quinolines from N -isoquinolinium salts and 2-aminobenzaldehydes, proceeding with the merits of operational simplicity, high step and atom efficiency, good substrate and functional group compatibility, and mild conditions. The products are formed by reacting with the isoquinolyl motif as a two-carbon synthon along with the cleavage of its C3-N bond. Given the interesting applications of 3-aryl quinolines, the developed chemistry is anticipated to be further applied to develop new functional products.