Stereoselective Synthesis of Tetrahydroindolizines through the Catalytic Formation of Pyridinium Ylides from Diazo Compounds

Commercially available iron(III) and copper(I) complexes catalyzed multicomponent cycloaddition reactions between diazo compounds, pyridines, and electrophilic alkenes to give alkaloid-inspired tetrahydroindolizidines in high yield with high diastereoselectivity. Hitherto, the catalytic formation of versatile pyridinium ylides from metal carbenes has been poorly developed; the broad utility demonstrated herein sets the stage for the invention of further multicomponent reactions in future.