A versatile reaction cascade leading to highly substituted 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridines has been developed. It comprises rhodium(I)-catalyzed C-H activation-alkyne coupling followed by electrocyclization and subsequent acid/borohydride-promoted reduction. This one-pot procedure affords the target compounds in up to 95% yield with >95% diastereomeric purity.
© 2012 American Chemical Society