Efficient synthesis of highly substituted pyrroles through a Pd(OCOCF3)2-catalyzed cascade reaction of 2-alkenal-1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with primary amines

We describe an unprecedented Pd(OCOCF3)(2)-catalyzed cascade process for the synthesis of highly functionalized 1,2,3,5-tetra-substituted pyrroles with high efficiency. Unlike documented methods relying on preformed enamines and active halogenated terminal alkenes, the process employs simple 2-alkenal-dicarbonyls and primary amines in 'one-pot'.