Cascade synthesis of 1,2-dihydropyridine from dienaminodioate and an imine: a three-component approach

A convenient synthesis of 1,2-dihydropyridine (1,2-DHP) has been developed from dienaminodioate and an imine mediated by trifluoroacetic acid in a one-pot cascade synthesis. The advantages associated with this transformation include conditions that are metal-free, room temperature, undistilled solvent, and expeditious in excellent yields. The substrate scope has been demonstrated with various aromatic, heteroaromatic, unsaturated aldehydes, and anilines, benzylic amines in impressive yields.