Carbenoid-mediated N-O bond insertion and its application in the synthesis of pyridines

Highly efficient synthesis of 3-hydroxypyridines has been developed based on carbenoid-mediated N-O bond insertion. Treatment of delta-diazo oxime ethers with dirhodium complex Rh-2(tfacam)(4) rapidly provides a variety of pyridines in 5-10 minutes in good to excellent yields.