Cascade aza-Wittig/6π-Electrocyclization in the Synthesis of 1,6-Dihydropyridines.

A metal-free protocol for the synthesis of substituted 1,6-dihydropyridines with quaternary stereogenic centers via a cascade aza-Wittig/6π-electrocyclization process has been developed. The high functional group compatibility and broad scope of this method were demonstrated by using a wide range of easily available vinyliminophosphoranes and ketones, with yields up to 97%. A modification of the obtained products allowed for an increase in complexity and chemical diversity. Finally, attempts for asymmetric synthesis of 1,6-dihydropyridines are demonstrated.