Metal-free three-component one-pot synthesis of 2,3-diarylquinolines from lignin β-O-4 model compounds

Herein, we present a transition-metal-free three-component reaction strategy based on lignin β-O-4 model compounds for the efficient construction of diaryl-substituted quinoline derivatives. Using lignin β-O-4 model compounds, aniline, and benzaldehyde as starting materials and molecular iodine as a promoter, this strategy enables the efficient synthesis of the target products through a cascade reaction sequence. This study provides a new route to quinoline derivatives derived from renewable biomass and advances the direct conversion of lignin into high-value molecules.