Synthesis of Multisubstituted Pyridines

By utilizing amino allenes, aldehydes, and aryl iodides as readily available building blocks, a simple and modular synthesis of multisubstituted pyridines with flexible control over the substitution pattern has been achieved. The method employs a two-step procedure involving the preparation of “skipped” allenyl imines and a subsequent palladium-catalyzed cyclization

Boron-Containing Enamine and Enamide Linchpins in the Synthesis of Nitrogen Heterocycles

The use of α-boryl enamine and enamide linchpins in the synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles has been demonstrated. Boryl enamines provide ready access to the corresponding α-halo aldehydes, which undergo regioselective annulation to form borylated thiazoles. A condensation/amidation sequence converts α-boryl aldehydes into stable α-boryl enamides without concomitant C → N migration. We also show that palladium-catalyzed cyclization of α-boryl enamides leads to synthetically versatile isoindolones. These molecules can be subsequently used to access polycyclic scaffolds