The bohimann-rahtz pyridine synthesis: From discovery to applications

The results of our research into the Bohlmann-Rahtz pyridine synthesis are summarized. The historic discovery of this reaction and its mechanism are discussed; followed by recent improvements in methodology, such as Bronsted and Lewis acid catalysis, microwave assistance, process in a continuous flow reactor, and incorporation into multicomponent and tandem reactions. Applications of these methods in the synthesis of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines, combinatorial pyridine libraries, heterocyclic a- and gamma-amino acids, a-helix mimetics, and complex natural products are discussed, along with a consideration of future perspectives.