DPTA-catalyzed one-pot regioselective synthesis of polysubstituted pyridines and 1,4-dihydropyridines

With diphenylammonium triflate (DPAT) as a catalyst, the highly substituted pyridines and dihydropyridines were prepared under solvent-free conditions from aldehydes, ketones, and amines via a one-pot multi-component reaction. The advantages of this protocol include excellent yields, environmentally benign source of nitrogen, mild reaction conditions, and simple manipulation. Different source of nitrogen like urea, thiourea, inorganic ammonium salts, and organic amines were studied. In addition, a novel way was developed for the conversion of primary aliphatic amines into alcohols. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.