Divergent Synthesis of Functionalized Quinolines from Aniline and Two Distinct Amino Acids

A practicable quinoline synthesis from aniline and two amino acids was developed for generating a wide range of quinolines with high efficiency and diversity. Thus, it facilitated the creations of pharmaceutical derivatives, photochemical active compounds, and challenging scaffolds. The concept of using two amino acids as heterocyclic precursors has been raised for the first time. Mechanistic studies revealed that I2 enabled decarboxylation, oxidative deamination, and selective reconstruction of new C–N and C–C bonds processes.