Photochemical Reduction of Quinolines with γ-Terpinene

The saturation of aromatic scaffolds is valuable for the synthesis of complex rings. Herein, we demonstrate a process for photochemical dearomative reduction of quinolines. The process involves capture of a quinoline excited state with γ-terpinene. Importantly, the reaction is chemoselective as other easily reduced functionalities such as halogens or alkenes do not undergo reduction. The mechanism of the reaction has also been investigated. Finally, the generality of the approach towards other substrates is demonstrated.