Copper‐Catalyzed Oxidative [1+2+1+2] Cascade Cyclization of N,N‐Dimethyl Enaminones with Benzylamines: A Facile Access to Functionalized 1,4‐Dihydropyridines

Using benzylamines as the C4 source of 1,4-dihydropyridines (1,4-DHPs), a Cu-catalyzed oxidative [1+2+1+2] cascade cyclization for the synthesis of 1,4-DHPs was firstly developed. A broad range of easily available N,N-dimethyl enaminones and benzylamines are employed smoothly to provide a diverse range of 1,4-DHPs with high efficiency. This method is performed by a one-pot cascade C(sp3)−H bond functionalization/C(sp3)−N cleavage/cyclization strategy to form simultaneously two C(sp3)−C(sp2) bonds, two C(sp2)−N bonds, and a 1,4-DHP ring.