Switchable Regioselective C−H Activation/Annulation of Acrylamides with Alkynes for the Synthesis of 2‐Pyridones

Abstract

AbstractA catalyst‐based switchable regioselective C−H activation/annulation of acrylamides with propargyl carbonates has been developed, delivering C5 or C6 alkenyl substituted 2‐pyridones. This robust protocol proceeds with a broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance under redox‐neutral reaction conditions. More significantly, this reaction is highly effective with previously challenging unsymmetrical alkynes, including unbiased alkyl‐alkyl substituted alkynes, with perfect and switchable regioselectivity. Additionally, mechanistic studies and DFT calculations were performed to shed light on the switchable regioselectivity.