Flexible Synthesis of Highly Substituted Pyridines Bearing 2-Fluoroalkyl Groups

Herein, we report a flexible process for the synthesis of highly functionalized pyridines containing 2-fluoroalkyl groups. Starting from easily accessible <i>tert</i>-butanesulfinamide derivatives, this new synthesis provides pyridine derivatives in good yields. The tandem process leading to pyridines includes a Pummerer-type rearrangement, an amide formation, a Mannich-type cyclization, and an elimination induced aromatization. In this Letter, we also demonstrate the modification of natural products using this protocol.