Efficient syntheses of α-pyridones and 3(2H)-isoquinolones through ruthenium-catalyzed cycloisomerization of 3-en-5-ynyl and o-alkynylphenyl nitrones

Abstract

We report a new catalytic synthesis of α-pyridones and 3(2H)-isoquinolones from readily available 3-en-5-ynyl nitrones and o-alkynylphenyl nitrones; the reaction mechanism is proposed to involve iminyl ketene species through an oxygen transfer process.