Sequential three-component reactions: synthesis, regioselectivity and application of functionalized dihydropyridines (DHPs) for the creation of fused naphthyridines

Facile and efficient synthesis of tetrasubstituted 1,4- and 1,6-dihydropyridines (DHPs) has been achieved by employing three-component domino reaction using dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD), aliphatic amines, and α,β-unsaturated aldehyde in the presence of 30 mol % trifluoroacetic acid. Interestingly, regioselectivity for the synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridines can be increased by using 30 mol % triflic acid. In addition, the synthesis of fused-naphthyridine derivatives has been accomplished involving imino-Diels–Alder reaction by employing 1,4-dihydropyridines, aromatic aldehydes, and aromatic amines.