Direct synthesis of pyridine derivatives

We describe a single-step conversion of various N-vinyl and N-aryl amides to the corresponding pyridine and quinoline derivatives, respectively. The process involves amide activation with trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride in the presence of 2-chloropyridine followed by pi-nucleophile addition to the activated intermediate and annulation. Compatibility of this chemistry with sensitive N-vinyl amides, epimerizable substrates, and a variety of functional groups is noteworthy.