Synthesis of 2-Aminopyridines via a Base-Promoted Cascade Reaction of N-Propargylic β-Enaminones with Formamides.

N-Substituted formamides as nucleophiles react with in situ-generated 1,4-oxazepines from N-propargylic β-enaminones followed by spontaneous N-deformylation to deliver densely substituted 2-aminopyridines in good yields (31-88%). The formyl group is found to be a superior traceless activating group of free amines and would ultimately be removed in situ. This reaction proceeds smoothly at room temperature, in the presence of NaOH as sole additive, without protection from the atmosphere and generates H2O and sodium formate as byproducts.