Iron (II) catalyzed cyclization of ketoxime acetates with triethyl orthoformate: An easy access to symmetrical pyridines

A simple and efficient iron (II) catalyzed approach to the synthesis of symmetrical pyridines has been demonstrated using ketoxime acetates and triethyl orthoformate in DMF at 120 degrees C under nitrogen environment. In this strategy, significantly, triethyl orthoformate functions as C1 carbon source and which is noteworthy. Other benefits of this process include good yields, high functional group tolerance, low cost of catalyst and avoiding of use of hazardous chemicals.