Synthesis of Polysubstituted Trifluoromethylpyridines from Trifluoromethyl-α,β-ynones.

A novel and efficient method for synthesis of polysubstituted trifluoromethylpyridine derivatives by the Bohlmann-Rahtz heteroannulation reaction is described, which use trifluoromethyl-α,β-ynones as trifluoromethyl building blocks to react with β-enamino esters or β-enamino ketones in the presence of ZnBr2 to form the trifluoromethylpyridine derivatives in good yields. The protocol has the advantages of readily available starting materials, mild reaction conditions, and high atom economy.