2-Aminopyridines were synthesized from β-halo α,β-unsaturated aldehydes by a microwave-assisted
Knoevenagel reaction. The β-halo-α,β-unsaturated aldehydes were, in turn, efficiently
synthesized from the corresponding ketones by a Vilsmeier formylation reaction. The
protocol was used to synthesize several novel steroidal and nonsteroidal fused 2-aminopyridine
derivatives.
Key words
steroids - pyridines - enals - Knoevenagel reactions - cyclizations