N-Arylation of Heterocycles by a Tandem Aza-Michael Addition Reaction and Aromatization Sequence

Cyclohexa-2,4-dien-1-one derivatives, upon reaction with N-heterocycles in the presence of scandium(III) triflate, underwent a tandem Michael addition reaction followed by aromatization of the Michael adduct generated in situ to give N-aryl heterocycles in good yields. Because of the ready accessibility of variously substituted cyclohexa-2,4-dien-1-ones, a range of N-aryl heterocycles have become available.