A TEMPO-mediated [3 + 2] annulation–aromatization
protocol
for the preparation of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridines from N-aminopyridines and α,β-unsaturated compounds
was developed. The procedure offered multisubstituted pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridines in good to excellent yield with high and predictable
regioselectivity. The modification of marketed drugs including Loratadine,
Abiraterone, and Metochalcone, and a one-pot three-step gram scale
synthesis of key intermediate for the preparation of Selpercatinib
were demonstrated. Mechanism studies show that TEMPO serves both as
a Lewis acid and as an oxidant.