Modular synthesis of unsaturated aza-heterocycles via copper catalyzed multicomponent cascade reaction

The unsaturated aza-heterocycles such as tetrahydropyridines pose significant applications in both drug discovery and development. However, the methods to construct polyfunctionalized tetrahydropyridines are still limited. Herein, we report a modular synthesis of tetrahydropyridines via copper catalyzed multicomponent radical cascade reaction. The reaction features mild conditions and broad substrate scope. In addition, the reaction could scale up to gram scale with similar yield. A variety of 1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridines with C3 and C5 substituents could be assembled from simple starting materials. More importantly, the products could serve as versatile intermediate to access various functionalized aza-heterocycles which further demonstrates its utility. [Display omitted] •A copper catalyzed multi-component radical cascade reaction is realized to access 1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridines•The reaction features with mild conditions and broad substrate scope•A various functionalized unsaturated piperidines could be assembled from readily available starting materials•Additionally, the products are versatile intermediates to access various functionalized aza-heterocycles which further demonstrates its utility Chemical reaction; Catalysis; Chemical synthesis