Utilization of renewable formic acid from lignocellulosic biomass for the selective hydrogenation and/or N‐methylation

Lignocellulosic biomass is one of the most abundant renewable sources in nature. Herein, we have developed the utilization of renewable formic acid from lignocellulosic biomass as a hydrogen source and a carbon source for the selective hydrogenation and further N‐methylation of various quinolines and the derivatives, various indoles under mild conditions in high efficiencies. N‐methylation of various anilines is also developed. Mechanistic studies indicate that the hydrogenation occurs via a transfer hydrogenation pathway. Lignocellulosic biomass is one of the most abundant renewable sources in nature. Herein, we have developed the utilization of renewable formic acid from lignocellulosic biomass as a hydrogen source and a carbon source for the selective hydrogenation and further N‐methylation of various quinolines and the derivatives, various indoles under mild conditions in high efficiencies. N‐methylation of various anilines is also developed. Mechanistic studies indicate that the hydrogenation occurs via a transfer hydrogenation pathway.