Pyridines from azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-4-ones through a proposed azacyclopentadienone

Pyridines have been formed by heating azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-4-ones in toluene. The generation of a 3-azacyclopentadienone intermediate via a [2+2]-cycloreversion is proposed as the key step. A Diels-Alder reaction of a styrene, extrusion of carbon monoxide and loss of hydrogen then gives the pyridine. The process parallels the well-known synthesis of benzenes from cyclopentadienones. The azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-4-ones were synthesized from the reaction between readily available cyclopropenones and 1-azetines, in which the cyclopropenones behave as all-carbon 1,3-dipolar equivalents.