Efficient synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines via selective reduction of quinolines with copper salts and silanes

A highly efficient selective reduction of quinolines with silanes was achieved under the catalysis of a copper salt. This protocol provides access to a wide range of synthetically useful 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines under mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, the synthetic potential is further demonstrated through facile transformations to obtain valuable bioactive molecules.