Synthesis of 5-(trifluoromethyl)-5H-chromeno[3,4-b]pyridines from 3-nitro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-chromenes and aminoenones derived from acetylacetone and cyclic amines

Reactions of 3-nitro-2H-chromenes with aminoenones derived from acetylacetone and cyclic amines proceed diastereoselectively to give functionalized 2,3,4-trisubstituted chromanes as a result of nucleophilic addition of the vinylogous β-methyl group at the C-4 atom of the chromene system. From these compounds, under acidic conditions, 5-(trifluoromethyl)-5H-chromeno[3,4-b]pyridines and 4-acetoacetonyl-3-nitro-2-(trichloromethyl/phenyl)chromanes, depending on the substituent at the 2-position, were obtained in moderate to good yields.