Direct synthesis of pyridines and quinolines by coupling of γ-amino-alcohols with secondary alcohols liberating H2 catalyzed by ruthenium pincer complexes.

A novel, one-step synthesis of substituted pyridine- and quinoline-derivatives was achieved by acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of γ-aminoalcohols with secondary alcohols. The reaction involves consecutive C–N and C–C bond formation, catalyzed by a bipyridyl-based ruthenium pincer complex with a base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]