Regioselective Synthesis of 2,4-Diaryl-6-trifluoromethylated Pyridines through Copper-Catalyzed Cyclization of CF3-Ynones and Vinyl Azides

A novel copper-catalyzed cyclization of readily available vinyl azides with CF3-ynones is steadily achieved under mild conditions to furnish the versatile 2,4-diaryl-6-trifluoromethylated pyridine products, which are of great interest in medicinal chemistry. The generation of the vinyl iminophosphorane intermediates from vinyl azides through the Staudinger-Meyer reaction ensures the subsequent 1,4-addition process with CF3-ynones in this transformation.

Automated summary

This novel copper-catalyzed reaction involves the cyclization of readily available vinyl azides with CF3-ynones to produce versatile 2,4-diaryl-6-trifluoromethylated pyridine products, which are of great interest in medicinal chemistry. The formation of vinyl iminophosphorane intermediates and subsequent 1,4-addition process with CF3-ynones are key steps in this transformation.