Indolizine Synthesis via Oxidative Cross-Coupling/Cyclization of Alkenes and 2-(Pyridin-2-yl)acetate Derivatives.

A novel copper/I2-mediated oxidative cross-coupling/cyclization of 2-(pyridin-2-yl)acetate derivatives and simple olefins is developed, which provides a straightforward and efficient access to structural diversely indolizines. A series of 1,3-di- and 1,2,3-trisubstituted indolizines are easily synthesized in modest to excellent yields.