Amines as Dual C2 Surrogates: I₂/DTBP-Mediated Synthesis of Quinolines from Aniline Derivatives

A metal-free, I₂/DTBP-promoted synthesis of quinoline derivatives from arylamines and tertiary alkylamines is described. The reaction proceeds with tertiary alkylamines serving as dual C2 surrogates to forge C-N and C-C bonds under operationally simple conditions. The reaction accommodates a range of alkylamines as alkyl donors and tolerates diverse functional groups, delivering quinoline frameworks. Notably, the 2-methylquinoline derivatives feature a reactive benzylic methyl group, serving as a versatile handle for downstream functionalization.