Lawesson's reagent-initiated domino reaction of aminopropenoylcyclopropanes: synthesis of thieno[3,2-c]pyridinones

Abstract

A convenient and efficient synthesis of substituted 2,3-dihydrothieno[3,2-c]pyridin-4(5H)-ones has been developed and relies upon a domino reaction of dimethylaminopropenoyl cyclopropanes initiated by Lawesson's reagent. A mechanism involving regioselective thionation, ring-enlargement, and an intramolecular aza-cyclization sequence is proposed. This protocol was utilized as a one-pot route to thieno[3,2-c]pyridin-4(5H)-ones with DDQ as an oxidant.