Three-Component Synthesis of Pyridylacetic Acid Derivatives by Arylation/Decarboxylative Substitution of Meldrum's Acids.

A convenient and simple three-component synthesis of substituted pyridylacetic acid derivatives is reported. The approach centers on the dual reactivity of Meldrum's acid derivatives, initially as nucleophiles to perform substitution on activated pyridine- N -oxides, then as electrophiles with a range of nucleophiles to trigger ring-opening and decarboxylation.