Cyclization and N-iodosuccinimide-induced electrophilic iodocyclization of 3-aza-1,5-enynes to synthesize 1,2-dihydropyridines and 3-iodo-1,2-dihydropyridines.

Metal-free cyclization and N-iodosuccinimide-induced electrophilic iodocyclization of readily available 3-aza-1,5-enynes have been developed. The reactions selectively give 1,2-dihydropyridines and 3-iodo-1,2-dihydropyridines involving an aza-Claisen rearrangement and a 6π-electrocyclization step. Furthermore, the reaction could be carried out in 10 g scale for the synthesis of 1,2-dihydropyridines.