Iodine-mediated one-pot synthesis of C-3 acylated indolizines from pyridines, aryl methyl ketones and acrylate derivatives

An I-2/CuI-promoted multi-component reaction from pyridines, aryl methyl ketones and electron deficient acrylates has been accomplished in a one-pot manner, which provides a straightforward and efficient access to C-3 acylated indolizines. The key intermediate of N-ylides is hypothesized to be generated in situ from pyridines and (hetero)aryl methyl ketones in the presence of iodine. This method has been applied in the synthesis of two molecules with anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory activities. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.