Oxidative Trimerization of Amino Acids: Selective Synthesis of 2,3,5-Trisubstituted Pyridines

An oxidative trimerization
of three amino acids has been realized
to furnish 2,3,5-trisubstuitued pyridines in both cross- and homo-trimerization
types. This method is capable of converting simple linear biomass
material to heterocycles, which features in the assembly of three
amino acid branched chains into one aromatic ring. Molecular iodine
triggers the sequential decarboxylation and deamination of amino acids
and then promotes the selective formation of new C–N and C–C
bonds.