Ethyl 3-bromopropanoate mediated tandem Knoevenagel–aldol annulation: a new strategy for the synthesis of indolizines

A tandem Knoevenagel–aldol annulation using ethyl 3-bromopropanoate enables the metal-free synthesis of di- and tri-substituted indolizines via N -alkylated intermediates, offering high yields and broad substrate scope.