Synthesis of Polysubstituted Pyridines via a One-Pot Metal-Free Strategy

An efficient strategy for the one-pot synthesis of polysubstituted pyridines via a cascade reaction from aldehydes, phosphorus ylides, and propargyl azide is reported. The reaction sequence involves a Wittig reaction, a Staudinger reaction, an aza-Wittig reaction, a 6 pi-3-azatriene electrocyclization, and a 1,3-H shift. This protocol provides quick access to the polysubstituted pyridines from readily available substrates in good to excellent yields.