Base-mediated regiospecific cascade synthesis of N-(2-pyridyl)pyrroles from N-propargylic β-enaminones

Abstract

A KOH-promoted regiospecific synthesis of polysubstituted N-(2-pyridyl)pyrroles under transition metal-free conditions has been developed. The pyrrole and pyridine rings were simultaneously installed from acyclic enaminone precursors under mild conditions and generated 1 equiv. of H₂O as the sole byproduct. A series of polysubstituted N-(2-pyridyl)pyrroles were provided in up to 91% yield for 21 examples.