A novel carbonylation of C(sp3)–H bonds in pyridylamines with one atmosphere of CO2 is reported to synthesize important pyrimidinones in good yields. This transition-metal-free and redox-neutral process features the use of a nontoxic carbonyl source, broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, facile scalability and easy product derivatization.
The nuclear estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERR alpha) plays a central role in the regulation of expression of the genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism. We have successfully identified a series of pyrido [1,2-alpha]pyrimidin-4-ones as new agonists enhancing the transcriptional functions of ERRa. The compounds potently elevated the m RNA levels and the protein levels of ERRa downstream targets. Consequently, the compounds improved the glucose and fatty acid uptake in C2C12 muscle cells.