Sustainable synthesis of quinolines (pyridines) catalyzed by a cheap metal Mn(I)‐NN complex catalyst

Abstract This study represents the first example of a bidentate phosphine‐free manganese(I)‐NN complex catalyst for the synthesis of quinolines (pyridines) through acceptorless dehydrogenative condensation of various secondary alcohols with amino alcohols. The coupling reactions occurred at 3 mol% catalyst loading and 110°C, and tolerated diverse functional groups. Moderate to excellent yields ranging from 45% to 89% were achieved after 12 hr of reaction. The present protocol provides a concise and environmentally friendly method for the construction of heterocyclic compounds.