Synthesis of Pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,6]- and [1,8]naphthyridines by Alkyne-Carbonyl Metathesis

A concise and modular synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,6]- and [1,8]naphthyridines by a one-pot two-step reaction consisting of electrophilic acylation followed by an alkyne-carbonyl-metathesis reaction as the final cyclization step is reported. This developed synthetic methodology allows the facile synthesis of these heterocyclic core structures in mainly high overall yields under metal-free conditions. Reaction conditions are carefully optimized and display a novel supplement to access these tricyclic heterocyclic compounds.