Fe-mediated oxidative cascade [1 + 2 + 3]-cyclization/esterification reaction: synthesis of 4-alkylated 1,4-dihydropyridines.

An Fe-mediated four-component reaction of enaminones, anhydrides and tetrahydrofuran through a cascade [1 + 2 + 3]-cyclization/esterification process is presented. This protocol provides a new and effective method to construct 4-alkylated 1,4-dihydropyridines with an ester fragment. Cyclic ether is employed as the C4 source of 1,4-dihydropyridines for the first time.