Tandem Diels–Alder cyclization/aromatization reactions of 5-vinyl-1-acyl-2-aryl-2,3-dihydro-4-pyridones

A tandem Diels–Alder cyclization/aromatization of 5-vinyl-2,3-dihydro-4-pyridones and various dienophiles is reported. The intermediate Diels–Alder cycloadduct undergoes an elimination/aromatization to provide β-amino-ketones, β-amino-alcohols, and unnatural amino acids containing useful functionality.