A Metal-Free Strategy for the Synthesis of Symmetrical 2,3,5,6-Tetrasubstituted Pyridines Using Triethyl Orthoformate as a Carbon Source

A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of symmetric 2,3,5,6-tetrasubstituted pyridines from enaminones and triethyl orthoformate, catalyzed by pyridinium p-toluenesulfonate, has been established in which triethyl orthoformate was applied as a carbon source. The procedure was smoothly executed, culminating in the synthesis of symmetrical 2,3,5,6-tetrasubstituted pyridines with moderate to exceptional yields across a diverse array of substrates.