title: A convergent, umpoled synthesis of 2-(1-amidoalkyl)pyridines.
abstract: A convenient, one-pot, two-component synthesis of 2-(1-amidoalkyl)pyridines is reported, based upon the substitution of suitably-activated pyridine N-oxides by azlactone nucleophiles, followed by decarboxylative azlactone ring-opening. The synthesis obviates the need for precious metal catalysts to achieve a formal enolate arylation reaction, and constitutes a formally 'umpoled' approach to this valuable class of bioactive structures.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Process Research and Development, School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
authors.forename: Tarn C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: Institute of Process Research and Development, School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
authors.forename: Stephen P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Marsden
keywords: azlactones; pyridine N-oxides; pyridines; substitution