Pyrano[4,3-c]pyridine-diones, which
are the key
skeleton of bioactive compounds and functional materials, are usually
prepared via a multistep synthesis using expensive substrates. This
work demonstrates that Rh(III)-catalyzed dual C(sp2)–H
functionalization and C–O/C–N annulation of monoamide
fumarates can produce pyrano[4,3-c]pyridine-1,5(6H)-diones in high yield (up to 82%) in a single step. The
substrates of monoamide fumarates and acetylenes are structurally
simple, readily available, and inexpensive. The additive AgSbF6 effectively raised the yields. On account of easier dehydrogenation
of OH in the COOH group than NH in the amide group in the reaction,
the process first undergoes C–O annulation and then is succeeded
by C–N annulation.