Direct Synthesis of N-Difluoromethyl-2-pyridones from Pyridines.

A novel method for the synthesis of N-difluoromethyl-2-pyridones was described. This protocol enables the synthesis of N-difluoromethyl-2-pyridones from readily available pyridines using mild reaction conditions that are compatible with a wide range of functional groups. The preliminary mechanistic study revealed that N-difluoromethylpyridinium salts were the key intermediates to complete this conversion.