Synlett 2005(17): 2658-2660  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-917092
LETTER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Highly Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of 1,2-Dihydro-2-oxo-3-pyridine-carboxylate Derivatives by FeCl3-Promoted [3+3] Annulation

Shaozhong Wang*, Tan Tan, Jianxin Li, Hongwen Hu
Department of Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, P. R. of China
Fax: +86(25)83317761; e-Mail: wangshaozhong@yahoo.com.cn;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 25 July 2005
Publication Date:
05 October 2005 (online)

Abstract

An efficient one-pot synthesis of 1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-3-pyridinecarboxylate derivatives starting from enones and ethyl ­cyanoacetate in moderate to good yields is described. This novel tandem [3+3] annulation method mediated by FeCl3 involves Michael addition and ketone-nitrile annulation followed by aromatization-dehydrogenation. A plausible mechanism is also proposed.

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General Procedure for Ethyl 1,2-Dihydro-2-oxo-3-pyridinecarboxylates 3a-l.
Enones 2a-l (2.5 mmol), ethyl cyanoacetate (2.5 mmol) and FeCl3 (7.5 mmol) were dissolved in propionic acid (5.0 mL), and the mixture was refluxed for about 0.5 h (monitored by TLC). After cooling, the mixture was poured into 1.0 N HCl (30.0 mL), then extracted by CH2Cl2 (3 × 30.0 mL). The combined organic layer was washed successively with aq NaHCO3 (30.0 mL) and H2O (30.0 mL). The organic layer was dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent was removed by distillation. The crude products obtained were purified by flash column chromatography (EtOAc-PE, 1:3) to give ethyl 1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-3-pyridinecarboxylates 3a-l.