Pyridine activation via copper(I)-catalyzed annulation toward indolizines.

The copper(I)-catalyzed regioselective [3 + 2] cyclization of pyridines toward alkenyldiazoacetates leading to functionalized indolizine derivatives is reported. A broad range of pyridine derivatives (including quinoline and isoquinoline) is compatible with this cyclization reaction. The process represents the first successful example of metal-catalyzed cyclization of a π-deficient heterocyclic system with alkenyldiazo compounds.