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Article

Ni-Catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition via the Capture of Azametallacyclopentadienes with Allyl Boronate: Facile Access to Fused Pyridine Derivatives

by
Kesi Du
1,†,
Tao Zhu
2,†,
Guangyu Li
2,
Taohong Shi
2,
Chunsheng Li
3,*,
Siting Hu
3,
Ruiran Gao
1,
Zhao-Yang Wang
4,* and
Jiuzhong Huang
2,*
1
Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
2
Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
3
School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing 526061, China
4
School of Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Molecules 2025, 30(17), 3629; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30173629
Submission received: 30 July 2025 / Revised: 28 August 2025 / Accepted: 2 September 2025 / Published: 5 September 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Organic Synthesis in Pharmaceuticals, Agrochemicals and Materials)
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Versions Notes

Abstract

An unprecedented nickel-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition that enables efficient construction of fused pyridine frameworks with allyl boronate was reported. This transformation is proposed to occur through a mechanism involving aza-nickelacyclopentadiene intermediates, wherein the boryl group of the allyl boronate plays a critical role in enabling the following cyclization via the control experiments. This work not only expands the structural diversity accessible via transition-metal-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions but also showcases the untapped potential of unsaturated substrates in cycloaddition reactions.

1. Introduction

Fused pyridine skeleton represents a privileged scaffold prevalent in numerous heterocyclic compounds and natural products (Figure 1), serving as fundamental structural units in pharmaceuticals, functional materials, and as versatile ligands or catalysts [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. Although significant progress has been made in developing synthetic strategies for pyridine derivatives [8,9,10,11,12,13], the catalytic construction of densely substituted pyridines remains a formidable challenge in synthetic chemistry.
De novo synthetic approaches offer distinct advantages for assembling pyridyl cores with diverse substitution patterns from readily accessible building blocks. In this context, transition-metal-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of two alkyne units with a nitrile component has emerged as an atom-economical and versatile strategy for synthesizing six-membered cyclic and aromatic compounds [14,15,16].
A key intermediate in these transformations is the azametallacyclopentadiene, featuring one M-C(sp2) and one M-N(sp2) bond, which forms via metal-mediated oxidative cyclometalation of two triple-bond units [17,18,19]. Typically, azametallacyclopentadienes subsequently undergo alkyne insertion to afford the final cyclic/aromatic products (Scheme 1I) [20,21,22,23]. Considerable efforts have explored diverse catalytic systems based on (aza)metallacyclopentadienes, with successful implementations reported using ruthenium [24], rhodium [25], iridium [26], cobalt [27], iron [28], nickel [29,30], and niobium [31] catalysts [14,15]. For instance, the Liu group reported a Ni/BPh3 co-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of alkyne-nitriles with internal alkynes, providing an efficient route to fused pyridines (Scheme 1(IIa)) [32]. Recently, Liu and coauthors developed a palladium/copper dual-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of alkyne-tethered malononitriles and alkynes (Scheme 1(IIb)) [33].
Notably, despite the diverse transformations of azametallacyclopentadienes in pyridine synthesis, alkene derivatives remained insurmountable substrates in this process due to subtle electrical property differences with the triple bond. Motivated by our interest in transition-metal-catalyzed transformations of unsaturated hydrocarbons for heterocycle assembly [34,35,36], we herein report a nickel-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition for constructing pyridine scaffolds using allyl boronate as cycloaddition partner (Scheme 1III).

2. Results and Discussion

The [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of an alkyne-nitrile substrate with allyl boronate was investigated using a nickel catalytic system, affording 3a in 80% isolated yield under optimal conditions (Table 1, entry 1). Firstly, control experiments established that the nickel catalyst, diphosphine ligand, and base were all essential for the conversion (entries 2–4). Replacing Ni(Ph3P)2Cl2 with Ni(acac)2 as the catalyst significantly decreased reaction efficiency (entry 5), while other ligands, such as DPEphos, dppp, dppf, and Cy3P, failed to produce the desired cycloaddition product (entries 6–9). Additionally, performing the transformation with Na3PO4 as a base, a very low yield is obtained (entry 10). Reactions in other solvents, particularly polar solvents, resulted in a complex mixture (entries 11–12). On the other hand, performing the reaction under air did not improve the outcome (entry 13), and lower reaction temperatures were detrimental to the [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition (entry 14). Therefore, the optimal reaction conditions were identified employing Ni(PPh3)2Cl2 as the catalyst, XantPhos as the ligand, and K3PO4 as the base in trifluorotoluene.
After establishing optimal conditions, the scope of the nickel-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition was explored (Scheme 2). Generally, para-substituted internal alkynes bearing both electron-donating (Me, OMe, Ph, tBu) and electron-withdrawing groups (F, Cl, CF3, CO2Me) proved compatible, affording tricyclic derivatives in moderate yields (3b–3i). The constitution of product 3h was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis (CCDC: 2474292). meta-Substituted substrates (tBu, OMe, F) also exhibited good reactivity under standard conditions (3j–3l). Notably, ortho-substituted substrates afforded the desired products in lower yields (3m–3o), indicating steric hindrance influenced reaction efficiency. Significantly, fused pyridine tricyclic derivatives were synthesized from biaryl alkynes bearing diverse substituents (silyl ether, 2-naphthyl, triphenylenyl, thienyl, benzothienyl, etc.), yielding products 3p–3v in moderate yields. Finally, variations in substituents on the acetonitrile-derived phenyl ring were well-tolerated with negligible impact on yields (3w–3y).
Molecules 30 03629 sch003
Scheme 3. The gram-scale experiment and synthetic utility.
Scheme 3. The gram-scale experiment and synthetic utility.
Molecules 30 03629 sch003
To gain insight into the reaction mechanism, several control experiments were conducted (Scheme 4). First, various allyl derivatives, such as trifluoroborate, trimethylsilyl, halide, and acetate groups, were used in place of allyl boronate under the standard conditions (Scheme 4I). However, these failed to afford the desired product due to the low conversion of 1a. Furthermore, crotyl boronate also failed to produce the fused pyridine products 3z or 3aa under the optimal conditions (Scheme 4II). These results indicate that both the boronate group and a terminal double bond are essential for the [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition.
Based on experimental results and the previous literature [32,33,37,38], a plausible mechanism is proposed in Scheme 5. Initially, coordination of the substrate’s alkyne group to the nickel(0) catalyst forms intermediate Int-1. Subsequent oxidative hetero-cyclometallation then generates azanickelcyclopentadiene intermediate Int-2. This species undergoes migration insertion of allyl boronate’s double bond, yielding seven-membered aza-nickelacycle Int-3. Reductive elimination of Int-3 releases both the active nickel(0) species and the six-membered framework complex Int-4. Finally, Int-4 undergoes base-facilitated olefin isomerization to afford the target product 3a.

3. Materials and Methods

3.1. Materials

All the reagents were obtained from commercial sources and used directly without further purification, unless otherwise noted. Synthetic methods and spectral data for the start substrates were consistent with the methods and data reported in the studies. 1H NMR, 19F NMR, and 13C NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker AVANCE III 400 MHz. 1H NMR, 19F NMR, and 13C NMR chemical shifts were determined relative to the internal standard TMS at δ 0.0. Chemical shifts (δ) are reported in ppm, and coupling constants (J) are reported in Hertz (Hz).

3.2. General Methods for the Preparation of Fused Pyridine Derivatives

To a 25 mL oven-dried Schlenk-tube with magnetic stirrer bar, substrate (1, 0.2 mmol), Ni(PPh3)Cl2 (5 mol%), Xantphos (10 mol%), K3PO4 (1.5 equiv), allyl boronate (2, 1.5 equiv, 0.3 mmol), and PhCF3 (2.0 mL) were successively added and vigorously stirred together in 130 °C oil bath under N2 atmosphere for 12 h. After the reaction was finished, the mixture was cooled to room temperature. The reaction was quenched with saturated NH4Cl aq. and extracted with EtOAc (3 × 25 mL). The combined ethyl acetate layer was washed with brine (25 mL) and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The solvent was removed under vacuum. The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography (eluting with petroleum ether/ethyl acetate) on silica gel to afford the product 3.
2-methyl-4-phenyl-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3a): Compound 3a was prepared according to the general procedure using 1a with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 8/1, v/v) afforded 3a as a brown solid, m.p. = 127.4—129.6 °C, 41.1 mg, 80% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.56—7.46 (m, 6H), 7.26—7.22 (m, 1H), 7.12—7.07 (m, 2H), 7.01 (s, 1H), 4.02 (s, 2H), 2.65 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.77, 155.93, 144.92, 141.38, 139.44, 138.83, 129.56, 128.71, 128.43, 128.41, 126.92, 126.55, 125.04, 122.84, 122.69, 38.85, 24.24. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C19H15N, [M+H]+: 258.1283, found, 258.1302.
2-methyl-4-(p-tolyl)-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3b): Compound 3b was prepared according to the general procedure using 1b with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 8/1, v/v) afforded 3b as a brown solid, m.p. = 99.2—103.3 °C, 41.7 mg, 77% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.54 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.32 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.26—7.23 (m, 1H), 7.17 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.11 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 6.99 (s, 1H), 4.02 (s, 2H), 2.65 (s, 3H), 2.48 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.70, 155.83, 145.09, 141.35, 139.55, 138.27, 135.85, 129.64, 129.38, 128.32, 126.86, 126.51, 125.01, 122.90, 122.83, 38.82, 24.19, 21.40. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C20H17N, [M+H]+: 272.1439, found, 272.1432.
4-([1,1’-biphenyl]-4-yl)-2-methyl-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3c): Compound 3c was prepared according to the general procedure using 1c with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 6/1, v/v) afforded 3c as a brown solid, m.p. = 180.1—185.4 °C, 50 mg, 75% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.79—7.70 (m, 4H), 7.60—7.55 (m, 3H), 7.50 (dd, J = 8.4, 6.9 Hz, 2H), 7.43—7.38 (m, 1H), 7.28 (dd, J = 7.5, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.25—7.22 (m, 1H), 7.15—7.10 (m, 1H), 7.06 (s, 1H), 4.04 (s, 2H), 2.67 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.81, 155.92, 144.64, 141.40, 141.25, 140.44, 139.41, 137.70, 129.61, 128.97, 128.95, 127.70, 127.37, 127.16, 127.02, 126.61, 125.10, 122.93, 122.77, 38.84, 24.23. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C25H19N, [M+H]+: 334.1596, found, 334.1609.
4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3d): Compound 3d was prepared according to the general procedure using 1d with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 3/1, v/v) afforded 3d as brown solid, m.p. = 133.2—135.4 °C, 40.2 mg, 70% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.57—7.52 (m, 1H), 7.45—7.39 (m, 2H), 7.27 (d, J = 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.24—7.18 (m, 1H), 7.12 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.07—7.03 (m, 2H), 6.99 (s, 1H), 4.02 (s, 2H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 2.65 (s, 3H). 3C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.72, 159.81, 155.82, 144.81, 141.35, 139.57, 131.07, 129.73, 129.71, 126.86, 126.52, 125.03, 122.90, 122.84, 114.10, 55.40, 38.83, 24.17. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C25H19N, [M+H]+: 288.1388, found, 288.1388.
4-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)-2-methyl-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3e): Compound 3e was prepared according to the general procedure using 1e with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 9/1, v/v) afforded 3e as a brown solid, m.p. = 120.2-125.4 °C, 37.6 mg, 60% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.57—7.50 (m, 3H), 7.46—7.40 (m, 2H), 7.26—7.23 (m, 1H), 7.20 (dt, J = 7.8, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.14—7.10 (m, 1H), 7.01 (s, 1H), 4.02 (s, 2H), 2.64 (s, 3H), 1.42 (s, 9H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.72, 155.81, 151.58, 145.05, 141.35, 139.57, 135.77, 129.61, 128.12, 126.86, 126.52, 125.57, 125.00, 122.93, 122.91, 38.84, 34.80, 31.43, 24.17. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C23H23N, [M+H]+: 314.1909, found, 314.1928.
4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3f): Compound 3f was prepared according to the general procedure using 1f with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 7/1, v/v) afforded 3f as a brown solid, m.p. = 159.4—162.2 °C, 36.8 mg, 67% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.56 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.49—7.44 (m, 2H), 7.29—7.19 (m, 4H), 7.15—7.06 (m, 2H), 6.98 (s, 1H), 4.02 (s, 2H), 2.66 (s, 3H).13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.85, 162.88 (d, J = 247.8 Hz), 156.01, 143.85, 141.41, 139.25, 134.78, 130.24 (d, J = 8.3 Hz), 129.64, 126.84 (d, J = 45.5 Hz), 125.16, 122.74, 122.67, 115.90, 115.69, 38.83, 24.22. 19F NMR (377 MHz, CDCl3) δ -113.29. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C19H14FN, [M+H]+: 276.1189, found, 276.1188.
4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3g): Compound 3g was prepared according to the general procedure using 1g with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 7/1, v/v) afforded 3g as a brown solid, m.p. = 133.2—135.4 °C, 37.8 mg, 65% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.58—7.49 (m, 3H), 7.46—7.42 (m, 2H), 7.29 (dd, J = 7.3, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.16—7.09 (m, 2H), 6.98 (s, 1H), 4.03 (s, 2H), 2.66 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.87, 156.02, 141.41, 139.11, 137.21, 129.88, 129.52, 129.02, 127.16, 126.67, 125.19, 122.72, 122.57, 38.81, 24.21.HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C19H14ClN, [M+H]+: 292.0893, found, 292.0893.
2-methyl-4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3h): Compound 3h was prepared according to the general procedure using 1h with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 7/1, v/v) afforded 3h as a brown solid, m.p. = 139—142 °C, 39 mg, 60% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.80 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.60 (dd, J = 20.3, 7.8 Hz, 3H), 7.31—7.27 (m, 1H), 7.13 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.05—6.97 (m, 2H), 4.05 (s, 2H), 2.68 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.99, 156.14, 143.24, 142.50, 141.46, 138.90, 130.81, 129.39, 128.95, 127.31, 126.74, 125.77 (q, J = 3.7 Hz), 125.26, 122.62, 122.41, 38.82, 24.22. 19F NMR (377 MHz, CDCl3) δ -62.45. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C20H14F3N, [M+H]+: 326.1157, found, 326.1154.
methyl 4-(2-methyl-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridin-4-yl)benzoate (3i): Compound 3i was prepared according to the general procedure using 1i with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 2/1, v/v) afforded 3i as a brown solid, m.p. = 164.8—168.8 °C, 43.5 mg, 69% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.23—8.18 (m, 2H), 7.59—7.55 (m, 3H), 7.27 (td, J = 7.4, 1.2 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (td, J = 7.6, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.05—6.99 (m, 2H), 4.04 (s, 2H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 2.67 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 166.84, 164.89, 156.03, 143.76, 143.45, 141.43, 138.99, 130.17, 130.05, 129.39, 128.63, 127.22, 126.69, 125.19, 122.74, 122.30, 52.39, 38.81, 24.21. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C21H17NO2, [M+H]+: 316.1338, found, 316.1317.
4-(3-(tert-butyl)phenyl)-2-methyl-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3j): Compound 3i was prepared according to the general procedure using 1j with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 8/1, v/v) afforded 3j as a brown solid, m.p. = 115.3—118.4 °C, 40.7 mg, 65% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.57—7.44 (m, 4H), 7.32—7.27 (m, 1H), 7.25 (dd, J = 7.3, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.15—7.07 (m, 2H), 7.04 (s, 1H), 4.03 (s, 2H), 2.67 (s, 3H), 1.37 (s, 9H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.71, 155.85, 151.46, 145.56, 141.37, 139.50, 138.31, 129.63, 128.56, 126.91, 126.45, 125.83, 125.44, 125.27, 125.03, 122.96, 122.78, 38.82, 34.92, 31.36, 24.21. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C23H23N, [M+H]+: 314.1909, found, 314.1891.
4-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3k): Compound 3k was prepared according to the general procedure using 1k with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 3/1, v/v) afforded 3k as a brown solid, m.p. = 119.4—120.2 °C, 34.4 mg, 60% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.56 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (td, J = 7.9, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.31—7.24 (m, 2H), 7.17—7.11 (m, 2H), 7.09—7.00 (m, 4H), 4.04 (s, 2H), 3.85 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 3H), 2.67 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.60, 159.76, 155.74, 144.93, 141.34, 140.06, 139.28, 129.86, 129.65, 127.02, 126.62, 125.05, 122.99, 122.65, 120.73, 114.28, 113.61, 55.40, 38.76, 24.12. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C20H17NO, [M+H]+: 288.1388, found, 288.1388.
4-(3-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3l): Compound 3l was prepared according to the general procedure using 1l with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 7/1, v/v) afforded 3l as a brown solid, m.p. = 130.2—135.2 °C, 36.9 mg, 67% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.57 (dt, J = 7.5, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.53—7.47 (m, 1H), 7.31—7.27 (m, 2H), 7.24—7.18 (m, 2H), 7.16—7.07 (m, 2H), 7.00 (s, 1H), 4.04 (s, 2H), 2.67 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.80, 162.85 (d, J = 248.0 Hz), 155.94, 143.55, 141.40, 140.84, 138.99, 130.42 (d, J = 8.2 Hz), 129.53, 126.95 (d, J = 50.2 Hz), 125.17, 124.26 (d, J = 2.9 Hz), 122.75, 122.50, 115.68, 115.49 (d, J = 5.2 Hz), 115.31, 38.77, 24.14. 19F NMR (377 MHz, CDCl3) δ -112.17. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C19H14FN, [M+H]+: 276.1189, found, 276.1188.
4-(2-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3m): Compound 3m was prepared according to the general procedure using 1m with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 7/1, v/v) afforded 3m as a brown solid, m.p. = 158.9—162.4 °C, 30.2 mg, 55% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.58—7.47 (m, 2H), 7.40 (td, J = 7.4, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.34—7.26 (m, 2H), 7.24 (dd, J = 6.0, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.13 (td, J = 7.6, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.04 (s, 1H), 6.95 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 4.04 (d, J = 3.5 Hz, 2H), 2.67 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.62, 159.47 (d, J = 247.9 Hz), 155.89, 141.35, 139.27, 138.13, 130.82 (d, J = 3.3 Hz), 130.58, 130.50, 130.47, 126.99 (d, J = 33.3 Hz), 126.25 (d, J = 16.3 Hz), 125.06, 124.57 (d, J = 3.7 Hz), 123.01, 122.28, 116.10 (d, J = 21.5 Hz), 38.79, 24.23. 19F NMR (377 MHz, CDCl3) δ -114.66. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C19H14FN, [M+H]+: 276.1189, found, 276.1188.
2-methyl-4-(o-tolyl)-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3n): Compound 3n was prepared according to the general procedure using 1n with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 7/1, v/v) afforded 3n as a brown solid, m.p. = 138.9—142.4 °C, 36.3 mg, 67% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.55 (dt, J = 7.5, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.44—7.31 (m, 3H), 7.22 (ddd, J = 10.7, 7.5, 1.3 Hz, 3H), 7.08 (td, J = 7.6, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 6.97 (s, 1H), 6.63 (dt, J = 7.8, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 4.04 (d, J = 3.3 Hz, 2H), 2.67 (s, 3H), 2.09 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.31, 155.98, 144.41, 141.20, 139.58, 138.23, 135.54, 130.28, 130.22, 128.45, 128.43, 126.94, 126.25, 124.94, 122.42, 122.23, 38.80, 24.27, 19.78. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C20H17N, [M+H]+: 272.1439, found, 272.1432.
4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3o): Compound 3o was prepared according to the general procedure using 1o with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 3/1, v/v) afforded 3o as a brown solid, m.p. = 152.1—153.3 °C, 32.8 mg, 57% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.55—7.46 (m, 2H), 7.29—7.26 (m, 1H), 7.23 (dd, J = 7.5, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.13—7.05 (m, 3H), 7.02 (s, 1H), 6.86 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 4.03 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 2H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 2.66 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.02, 156.53, 141.20, 139.88, 130.26, 130.04, 127.49, 126.77, 126.62, 124.82, 123.23, 122.43, 120.97, 110.94, 55.56, 38.72, 24.17. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C20H17NO, [M+H]+: 288.1388, found, 288.1388.
4-(4-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-2-methyl-9H-indeno.[2,1-b]pyridine (3p): Compound 3p was prepared according to the general procedure using 1p with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 10/1, v/v) afforded 3p as Brown oil, 48.1 mg, 60% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.38 (dt, J = 7.5, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.33—7.27 (m, 4H), 7.11—7.06 (m, 2H), 6.99—6.89 (m, 2H), 6.84 (s, 1H), 4.71 (s, 2H), 3.86 (s, 2H), 2.49 (s, 3H), 0.82 (s, 9H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.69, 155.82, 144.99, 141.82, 141.35, 139.45, 137.36, 129.67, 128.32, 126.91, 126.52, 126.32, 125.01, 122.93, 122.79, 64.82, 38.80, 26.00, 24.17, 18.49, -5.16. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C26H31NOSi, [M+H]+: 402.2253, found, 402.2273.
4-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3q): Compound 3q was prepared according to the general procedure using 1q with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 2/1, v/v) afforded 3q as a brown solid, m.p. = 133.4—135.5 °C, 41.9 mg, 66% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.56 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.30—7.27 (m, 1H), 7.26—7.21 (m, 1H), 7.15 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.03 (s, 1H), 6.63—6.58 (m, 3H), 4.03 (s, 2H), 3.83 (s, 6H), 2.66 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.68, 160.98, 155.84, 144.86, 141.34, 140.71, 139.28, 129.49, 126.98, 126.66, 125.03, 123.12, 122.40, 106.24, 100.62, 55.54, 38.80, 24.20. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C21H19NO2, [M+H]+: 318.1494, found, 318.1496.
2-methyl-4-(4-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)phenyl)-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3r): Compound 3r was prepared according to the general procedure using 1r with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 5/1, v/v) afforded 3r as a brown solid, m.p. = 130.8—131.8 °C, 54.7 mg, 73% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.55 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.44—7.35 (m, 4H), 7.33 (d, J = 5.2 Hz, 4H), 7.24—7.20 (m, 1H), 7.19—7.09 (m, 2H), 7.02 (s, 1H), 4.02 (s, 2H), 2.65 (s, 3H), 1.78 (s, 6H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.68, 155.79, 151.16, 150.46, 144.98, 141.36, 139.50, 135.98, 129.65, 128.14, 128.11, 127.15, 126.91, 126.86, 126.52, 125.84, 125.04, 122.88, 43.06, 38.82, 30.81, 24.18. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C28H25N, [M+H]+: 376.2065, found, 376.2085.
2-methyl-4-(naphthalen-2-yl)-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3s): Compound 3s was prepared according to the general procedure using 1s with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 10/1, v/v) afforded 3s as a brown solid, m.p. = 138.0—142.8 °C, 36.8 mg, 60% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.02—7.95 (m, 3H), 7.93—7.89 (m, 1H), 7.63—7.56 (m, 4H), 7.26 (dd, J = 14.7, 1.4 Hz, 2H), 7.14—7.02 (m, 3H), 4.09 (s, 2H), 2.70 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.74, 155.86, 141.39, 139.35, 136.24, 133.37, 133.10, 128.40, 128.28, 127.92, 127.43, 127.04, 126.66, 126.64, 126.51, 125.08, 123.02, 122.96, 38.84, 24.20. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C25H17N, [M+H]+: 308.1439, found, 308.1460.
2-methyl-4-(triphenylen-2-yl)-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3t): Compound 3t was prepared according to the general procedure using 1t with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 5/1, v/v) afforded 3t as a brown solid, m.p. = 143—147 °C, 52.9 mg, 65% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.90—8.53 (m, 7H), 7.83—7.55 (m, 7H), 7.27—7.15 (m, 4H), 7.02 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H), 4.11 (s, 2H), 2.76—2.70 (m, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.94, 156.06, 144.90, 141.45, 139.44, 137.48, 130.08, 130.05, 130.03, 129.81, 129.78, 129.55, 129.45, 127.68, 127.66, 127.50, 127.46, 127.43, 127.06, 126.74, 125.14, 123.88, 123.51, 123.48, 123.45, 123.36, 122.88, 122.85, 38.91, 24.30. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C31H21N, [M+H]+: 408.1751, found, 408.1765.
2-methyl-4-(thiophen-3-yl)-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3u): Compound 3u was prepared according to the general procedure using 1u with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 4/1, v/v) afforded 3u as a brown solid, m.p. = 138.9—142.2 °C, 33.2 mg, 63% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.58—7.54 (m, 1H), 7.51 (dd, J = 4.9, 3.0 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (dd, J = 3.0, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 7.30—7.27 (m, 2H), 7.20—7.15 (m, 1H), 7.05 (s, 1H), 4.02 (s, 2H), 2.65 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 141.29, 139.32, 139.10, 128.17, 127.11, 126.73, 126.38, 125.09, 123.81, 122.91, 122.76, 38.74, 24.01. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C17H13NS, [M+H]+: 264.0847, found, 264.0823.
4-(benzo[b]thiophen-5-yl)-2-methyl-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3v): Compound 3v was prepared according to the general procedure using 1v with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 5/1, v/v) afforded 3v as a brown solid, m.p. = 147.9—150.2 °C, 36.3 mg, 58% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.02 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.94 (d, J = 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.58—7.54 (m, 2H), 7.47 (dt, J = 8.4, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (d, J = 5.4 Hz, 1H), 7.25 (dd, J = 7.4, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.08 (dt, J = 7.9, 5.4 Hz, 3H), 4.05 (s, 2H), 2.68 (d, J = 1.2 Hz, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 164.77, 155.89, 145.02, 141.39, 139.91, 139.77, 139.43, 134.96, 129.80, 127.53, 126.99, 126.59, 125.08, 124.79, 124.09, 123.36, 123.11, 122.90, 122.78, 38.85, 24.24. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C21H15NS, [M+H]+: 314.1003, found, 314.1021.
6-fluoro-2-methyl-4-phenyl-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3w): Compound 3w was prepared according to the general procedure using 1w with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 7/1, v/v) afforded 3w as a brown solid, m.p. = 120.3—124.5 °C, 38.5 mg, 70% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.53 (pd, J = 4.7, 1.7 Hz, 3H), 7.50—7.44 (m, 3H), 7.03 (s, 1H), 6.97—6.91 (m, 1H), 6.76 (dd, J = 9.9, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 3.98 (s, 2H), 2.66 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 165.45, 161.79 (d, J = 242.5 Hz), 156.58, 145.29, 141.09 (d, J = 9.4 Hz), 138.17, 136.65, 136.62, 129.03, 129.00, 128.88, 128.73, 128.29, 125.92 (d, J = 8.9 Hz), 122.80, 113.83 (d, J = 23.0 Hz), 109.90 (d, J = 24.3 Hz), 38.24, 24.28. 19F NMR (377 MHz, CDCl3) δ -115.19. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C19H14FN, [M+H]+: 276.1189, found, 276.1188.
7-fluoro-2-methyl-4-phenyl-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3x): Compound 3x was prepared according to the general procedure using 1x with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 6/1, v/v) afforded 3x as a brown solid, m.p. = 123.4—125.5 °C, 24.7 mg, 45% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.58—7.45 (m, 6H), 7.04 (s, 1H), 6.95 (td, J = 8.7, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 6.76 (dd, J = 9.9, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 3.99 (s, 2H), 2.67 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 165.39, 161.79 (d, J = 242.4 Hz), 156.52, 145.36, 141.06 (d, J = 9.2 Hz), 138.14, 136.61, 128.89, 128.75, 128.28, 125.93 (d, J = 9.1 Hz), 122.86, 113.86 (d, J = 22.9 Hz), 109.91 (d, J = 24.4 Hz), 38.20, 24.23.19F NMR (377 MHz, CDCl3) δ -115.19. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C19H14FN, [M+H]+: 276.1189, found, 276.1188.
7-methoxy-2-methyl-4-phenyl-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridine (3y): Compound 3y was prepared according to the general procedure using 1y with allyl borate 2. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 3/1, v/v) afforded 3y as a brown solid, m.p. = 117.3—120.5 °C, 32.7 mg, 57% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.57—7.48 (m, 2H), 7.40 (td, J = 7.4, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.33—7.27 (m, 2H), 7.26—7.23 (m, 1H), 7.13 (td, J = 7.6, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.04 (s, 1H), 6.95 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 4.04 (d, J = 3.5 Hz, 2H), 2.67 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 192.69, 164.06, 159.19, 143.31, 138.81, 132.15, 129.83, 128.73, 128.42, 128.40, 123.64, 122.68, 112.81, 110.44, 55.46, 38.88, 23.94. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C20H17NO, [M+H]+: 288.1388, found, 288.1388.

3.3. General Procedure for the Derivatization of Pyridine Products

To a 25 mL Schlenk tube with a magnetic stirrer bar, substrates (3, 0.2 mmol), Cu(OAc)2 (1.5 equiv, 0.3 mmol), K3PO4 (2.5 equiv), and DMAc (2.0 mL) were successively added and vigorously stirred together in a 120 °C oil bath under N2 atmosphere for 8 h. After the reaction was finished, the mixture was cooled to room temperature. The reaction was quenched with saturated NH4Cl aq. and extracted with EtOAc (3 × 20 mL). The combined ethyl acetate layer was washed with brine (15 mL) and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The solvent was removed under vacuum. The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography (eluting with petroleum ether/ethyl acetate) on silica gel to afford the product 4.
2-methyl-4-phenyl-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridin-9-one (4a): Compound 4a was prepared according to the general procedure using 3a. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 3/1, v/v) afforded 4a as a light yellow solid, m.p. = 116.5—119.5 °C, 47.7 mg, 88% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 7.71 (dd, J = 5.7, 3.0 Hz, 1H), 7.57—7.46 (m, 5H), 7.26—7.23 (m, 2H), 7.07 (s, 1H), 6.90 (dd, J = 6.4, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 2.66 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 193.02, 159.49, 153.24, 145.59, 142.21, 137.26, 135.11, 134.70, 132.45, 129.20, 129.11, 128.99, 128.17, 128.05, 124.69, 123.14, 24.12. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C19H13NO, [M+H]+: 272.1070, found, 272.1061.
methyl 4-(2-methyl-9-oxo-9H-indeno [2,1-b]pyridin-4-yl)benzoate (4i): Compound 4i was prepared according to the general procedure using 3i. Purification by flash column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate = 1/1, v/v) afforded 4i as a light yellow solid, m.p. = 112.5—114.5 °C, 49.3 mg, 75% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.28—8.17 (m, 2H), 7.73 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 1H), 7.61—7.54 (m, 2H), 7.28 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.08 (s, 1H), 6.84 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 4.00 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 3H), 2.68 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 192.69, 166.54, 159.72, 153.34, 144.38, 141.82, 141.80, 135.21, 134.48, 132.44, 130.84, 130.26, 129.47, 128.40, 127.54, 124.87, 123.04, 52.48, 24.15. HRMS-ESI (m/z): calcd for C21H15NO3, [M+H]+: 330.1125, found, 330 1112.

4. Conclusions

In summary, we have developed a nickel-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of alkynes, nitriles, and allyl boronates using a concise and stable catalytic system. This protocol employs readily available starting materials, enabling the efficient synthesis of fused pyridine derivatives with good functional group compatibility and excellent regioselectivity. Mechanistic studies revealed the essential roles of the terminal double bond and the Bpin group. Collectively, these findings provide fundamental insights into the [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition mechanism and the reactivity of azametallacyclopentadienes, thereby opening new avenues for metal-catalyzed cycloadditions of unsaturated compounds.

Supplementary Materials

The following supporting information can be downloaded at: https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/molecules30173629/s1, the X-ray of 3h, NMR data and spectra of the catalytic products. References [36,37,39,40,41,42,43] are cited in the Supplementary Materials.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, K.D. and J.H.; methodology, K.D., T.Z. and G.L.; investigation, K.D., T.Z., T.S., S.H. and R.G.; writing—original draft preparation, J.H. and C.L.; writing—review and editing, Z.-Y.W. and C.L.; supervision, Z.-Y.W. and J.H.; project administration, J.H.; funding acquisition, Z.-Y.W., C.L. and J.H. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22361003), Guizhou Province Science and Technology Support Program (QKHZC-[2025]YB133), the Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation (20242BAB25591), Zhaoqing University Innovative Research Team Funding Program (TD202413).

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Data are contained within the article and Supplementary Materials.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Molecules 30 03629 g001
Figure 1. Pyridine-based functional molecules.
Figure 1. Pyridine-based functional molecules.
Molecules 30 03629 g001
Molecules 30 03629 sch001
Scheme 1. Background and project synopsis.
Scheme 1. Background and project synopsis.
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Molecules 30 03629 sch002
Scheme 2. Substrate scope of the Ni-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition. The synthetic utility of this reaction was demonstrated through a gram-scale synthesis and product derivatizations. Compound 3a was successfully synthesized on a gram scale under the optimized conditions, affording the product in good yield (Scheme 3I). Subsequently, compounds 3a and 3i were subjected to a copper-mediated oxidation system, yielding the corresponding oxidative products 4a and 4i in moderate to good yields (Scheme 3II).
Scheme 2. Substrate scope of the Ni-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition. The synthetic utility of this reaction was demonstrated through a gram-scale synthesis and product derivatizations. Compound 3a was successfully synthesized on a gram scale under the optimized conditions, affording the product in good yield (Scheme 3I). Subsequently, compounds 3a and 3i were subjected to a copper-mediated oxidation system, yielding the corresponding oxidative products 4a and 4i in moderate to good yields (Scheme 3II).
Molecules 30 03629 sch002
Molecules 30 03629 sch004
Scheme 4. Control experiments.
Scheme 4. Control experiments.
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Molecules 30 03629 sch005
Scheme 5. Plausible mechanistic pathways.
Scheme 5. Plausible mechanistic pathways.
Molecules 30 03629 sch005
Table 1. Optimization of the reaction conditions.
Table 1. Optimization of the reaction conditions.
Molecules 30 03629 i001
Entry aVariation from Standard ConditionsYield of 3a b
1none84% (80%)
2w/o Ni(PPh3)2Cl2 N.R.
3w/o XantPhos N.R.
4w/o K3PO4 N.R.
5Ni(acac)2 instead of Ni(PPh3)2Cl2 55%
6DPEphos instead of XantPhos 30%
7dppp instead of XantPhos35%
8dppf instead of XantPhos<5%
9Cy3P instead of XantPhos 32%
10Na3PO4 instead of K3PO4 15%
11Toluene instead of PhCF3 70%
12CH3CN instead of PhCF3 25%
13under air atmosphere 72%
14reaction temperature 120 °C 70%
a Conditions: 1a (0.2 mmol), 2 (1.5 equiv), catalyst (5 mol %), ligand (10 mol %), base (1.5 equiv), solvent (2.0 mL) under N2 atmosphere at 130 °C for 24 h in seal tube; b Yields were determined by 1H NMR with CH2Br2 as internal standard, isolated yield is in the parentheses; N.R. = no reaction.
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MDPI and ACS Style

Du, K.; Zhu, T.; Li, G.; Shi, T.; Li, C.; Hu, S.; Gao, R.; Wang, Z.-Y.; Huang, J. Ni-Catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition via the Capture of Azametallacyclopentadienes with Allyl Boronate: Facile Access to Fused Pyridine Derivatives. Molecules 2025, 30, 3629. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30173629

AMA Style

Du K, Zhu T, Li G, Shi T, Li C, Hu S, Gao R, Wang Z-Y, Huang J. Ni-Catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition via the Capture of Azametallacyclopentadienes with Allyl Boronate: Facile Access to Fused Pyridine Derivatives. Molecules. 2025; 30(17):3629. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30173629

Chicago/Turabian Style

Du, Kesi, Tao Zhu, Guangyu Li, Taohong Shi, Chunsheng Li, Siting Hu, Ruiran Gao, Zhao-Yang Wang, and Jiuzhong Huang. 2025. "Ni-Catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition via the Capture of Azametallacyclopentadienes with Allyl Boronate: Facile Access to Fused Pyridine Derivatives" Molecules 30, no. 17: 3629. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30173629

APA Style

Du, K., Zhu, T., Li, G., Shi, T., Li, C., Hu, S., Gao, R., Wang, Z.-Y., & Huang, J. (2025). Ni-Catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition via the Capture of Azametallacyclopentadienes with Allyl Boronate: Facile Access to Fused Pyridine Derivatives. Molecules, 30(17), 3629. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30173629

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