A novel approach to 3-acylated indolizine structures via iodine-mediated hydrative cyclization

We have discovered a new route to 3-acylated indolizine structures via iodine-mediated hydrative cyclization. Reaction mechanism is proposed for this novel transformation, which involves a 5-exo-dig iodocyclization, deprotonation, incorporation of another iodo group, deprotonation, and subsequent replacement of the diiodo group by H2O. Various 3-acylated indolizine derivatives were obtained using this mild procedure in good yields.