Cyclic acetal formation between 2-pyridinecarboxyaldehyde and γ-hydroxy-α,β-acetylenic esters

A new transformation between 2-pyridinecarboxyaldehyde and γ-hydroxy-α,β-acetylenic esters to form highly functionalized cyclic acetals was discovered. This transformation proceeds under very mild conditions without any additives and is promoted by the basic nature of the pyridine ring.