Unexpected cleavage of the Cpy–Cpy bond in the reaction of 2,2′-bipyridine N,N′-diimines with acetylenes

An unusual cleavage of the Cpy–Cpy bond in the reaction of 2,2′-bipyridine N,N′-diimine and its C-methyl substituted derivatives with acetylenes is described. The effect of the solvent on the yield of 7,7′-bipyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine-2,2′,3,3′-tetracarboxylates and the products of cleavage of the Cpy–Cpy bond has been studied. The mechanism of the cleavage reaction is discussed on the basis of DFT calculations.