Diels-Alder reactions of 5,6-dihydro-2(1H)-pyridones

The Diels-Alder reaction of achiral 5,6-dihydro-2(1H)-pyridones 12a,b and enantiopure 5,6-dihydro-2(1H)-pyridones 16a,b with a variety of diversely substituted buta-1,3-dienes under thermal or catalytic conditions, to give partially reduced isoquinolones 18-33 and 35-37, is reported. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.