Cu(I)-catalyzed synthesis of N- tosyl-4-iminoquinolizines

Pyridines were found to be a convenient nucleophile in the copper(I)-catalyzed synthesis of N-tosyl-4-iminoquinolizines from 2-pyridyl compounds. Intramolecular cyclization of an in situ generated ketenimine and a tethered pyridine, followed by a base-promoted oxidation, affords the desired products in moderate to good yields under mild reaction conditions.