Synthesis of densely substituted pyridine derivatives from nitriles by a non-classical [4+2] cycloaddition/1,5-hydrogen shift strategy

Abstract

A novel strategy has been established to assemble an array of densely substituted pyridine derivatives from nitriles and o-substituted aryl alkynes or 1-methyl-1,3-enynes via a non-classical [4 + 2] cycloaddition along with 1,5-hydrogen shift process. The well-balanced affinities of two different alkali metal salts enable the C(sp3)-H bond activation as well as the excellent chemo- and regioselectivities. This protocol offers a new guide to construct pyridine frameworks from nitriles with sp3-carbon pronucleophiles, and shows potential applications in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry.