Copper‐Catalyzed Cascade Annulation of 2‐Aminopyridines With Alkynoates: Synthesis of N ‐(2‐Pyridyl)‐2‐Pyridone

ABSTRACT A copper‐catalyzed cascade annulation between 2‐aminopyridines and alkynoates has been developed for the synthesis of various N ‐(2‐pyridyl)‐2‐pyridone in 36%–68% yields. The reaction may undergo two Michael addition reaction, isomerization, and intramolecular nucleophilic addition. Without metal, 1,3‐dienes could be synthesized in good yields.