I2/Amine Synergistic Catalysis Enables 2,2’-Bipyridine Synthesis from Oxime Esters and Enals

A synergistic I2/secondary amine catalysis has been developed for the modular assembly of 2,2'-bipyridines, employing oxime esters and enals as readily available starting materials. This method demonstrates a good substrate scope and functional group tolerance and can easily afford a series of structurally new 2,2'-bipyridines in moderate to good yields.