Access to pyridines via DMAP-catalyzed activation of α-chloro acetic ester to react with unsaturated imines

Facile access to trisubstituted pyridines from alpha-chloro acetic ester and unsaturated imines is achieved. DMAP-catalyzed activation of ester to form an enolate intermediate constitutes a key reaction step. On the application side, the wide availability and low cost of the substrates and catalysts make this method very attractive.