One-step synthesis of thiazolo[3,2-a]pyridines by a multicomponent reaction of β-enaminonitriles, α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, and 2-aminothiol hydrochlorides

A wide library of 3,7,8,8a-tetrahydro-2H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyridines has been prepared by simple heating in acetonitrile of β-enaminonitriles, α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and 2-aminothiol hydrochlorides. Chemical yields depend on the nature, hindrance, and position of the substituents. The scope, limitations, and stereocontrol associated to this three-component reaction have been studied in detail. In general, the diastereoinduction observed in the three new stereogenic centers generated in the pro-chiral α,β-unsaturated aldehyde is low.