Iridium-catalyzed alkylation of methylquinolines with alcohols.

Iridium-catalyzed alkylation of methylquinolines at the methyl substituent was achieved using alcohols as alkylating agents. The reaction proceeded through a transfer hydrogenation pathway from the alcohol to the Ir complex, affording an aldehyde and Ir-H species, followed by base-assisted aldol condensation and hydrogenation. This method provides an atom-economical and convenient route to alkylquinolines from easily accessible methylquinolines.