Iodine-catalyzed [3+2] cyclization of 2-pyridylesters and chalcones: metal-free approach for the synthesis of substituted indolizines

Abstract A transition metal-free iodine catalyzed synthesis of indolizine derivatives through [3+2] cyclization of 2-pyridylesters and chalcones has been described. The method is efficient to synthesize a variety of substituted indolizines including hetero aromatic indolizines. Mechanistic studies reveal that, the reaction follows the radical pathway.