Iodine-Promoted Construction of Polysubstituted 2,3-Dihydropyrroles from Chalcones and β-Enamine Ketones (Esters)

A novel approach for the synthesis of a variety of polysubstituted trans-2,3-dihydropyrroles from a wide range of chalcones and β-enamine ketones (esters) via iodine-promoted tandem Michael/cyclization sequence has been developed, affording the desired products in moderate to excellent yields. This methodology is a highly efficient, convenient way to access functionalized 2,3-dihydropyrroles from readily accessible substrates under mild reaction conditions.