Fourteen 1,2,3-triaroylindolizines were prepared conveniently by oxidation of corresponding N-aracyl pyridinium or substituted pyridinium bromides with a versatile oxidant TPCD [(Py4Co(HCrO4)2, tetrakis-pyridino-cobalt (II) dichromate] in 12-42 % yields.
A highly efficient method for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triaroylindolizines has been established from readily available methyl ketones and pyridines in the presence of iodine. This reaction also examplified the self-division of labor strategy in convergent domino synthesis. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.