Synthesis of Indolizines via Palladium Catalyzed Annulation of Propargyl Carbonates and 2-(Pyridin-2-yl)acetonitrile Derivatives

A Pd-catalyzed regioselective annulation reaction of propargyl carbonates and 2-(pyridine-2-yl) acetonitrile derivatives has been accomplished, which provides a straightforward and efficient access to polysubstituted indolizines. The choice of the phosphine ligand is crucial to the high regio-selectivity of the reaction.