Ytterbium-catalyzed synthesis of dihydropyridines

The reaction of anilines, benzaldehydes, and ethyl 3,3-diethoxypropionate in the presence of Yb(OTf)3 proceeded under mild reaction conditions to give dihydropyridines (DHPs). We have found that the reaction depended on the solvent and the DHPs were obtained selectively in 1,4-dioxane as a solvent. Various 2,6-unsubstituted DHPs were synthesized in one pot in satisfactory yields.