Synthesis of 1-Amino-2 H-quinolizin-2-one Scaffolds by Tandem Silver Catalysis.

An efficient tandem cycloisomerization-amination reaction catalyzed by silver is described. This rapid and atom-economic reaction delivered 1-amino-2 H-quinolizin-2-one scaffolds in high yields under mild conditions. The reaction could be extended to an asymmetric version albeit with moderate enantioselective excess of the products. In addition, the products can be easily reduced into various azabicycles containing 4-pyridones, which are important building blocks in organic synthesis.