Synlett 2005(4): 649-651  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-863712
LETTER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Iodine-Catalysed Bohlmann-Rahtz Cyclodehydration Reactions

Mark C. Bagley*, Christian Glover, Duncan Chevis
School of Chemistry, Main Building, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
Fax: +44(29)20874030; e-Mail: Bagleymc@cf.ac.uk;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 25 November 2004
Publication Date:
22 February 2005 (online)

Abstract

The cyclodehydration of Bohlmann-Rahtz aminodienones is catalysed by iodine in ethanol at room temperature to give 2,3,6-trisubstituted pyridines in excellent yield, with total regio­control and without the need for chromatographic purification.

17

General Procedure for the Catalytic Cyclodehydration of Aminodienones 3 Using I 2 . A solution of aminodienone 3 (0.2 mmol, 1 equiv) and iodine (0.04 mmol, 20 mol%) in EtOH (4 mL) was stirred at r.t. for 30 min and an aq solution of Na2S2O3 (10% w/v, 10 mL) was added. The mixture was extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 × 20 mL) and the organic extracts were combined, dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated in vacuo to give pyridine 4.

18

Pyridines 4a-h exhibited physical and spectroscopic properties that were in agreement with literature data (see refs. 1, 8, 11a, and 15b for detailed information).