A new multicomponent reaction for the synthesis of pyridines via cycloaddition of azadienes and ketenimines

The ketenimines resulting from a Nef isocyanide/Perkow sequence react with 1-azadienes to form pyridines or pyrimidines depending on their substitution pattern. The reaction is most efficient with ester-substituted ketenimines which leads to pyridines after elimination of the phosphate group.