The direct three-component aza-Diels–Alder reaction was conducted with lipase as a catalyst for the first time. Under the optimized conditions, the aza-Diels–Alder reaction catalyzed by lipase from Candida sp. 99–125 provided the products in moderate to excellent yields. Meanwhile, the endo / exo ratio reached up to 88:12.
A one-pot cascade reaction for 2,3-dihydropyridinone synthesis was accomplished with 3-fluoro-2-iodo-1-methylpyridinium triflate as the halogen bond catalyst. The desired [4+2] cycloaddition products, bearing aryl, heteroaryl, alkyl, and alicyclic substituents, were successfully furnished in 28–99% yields. Mechanistic investigations proved that a strong halogen-bonding interaction forged between the iodopyridinium catalyst and imine intermediate was essential to dynamically masking the vulnerable C–I bond on the catalyst and accelerating the following aza-Diels–Alder reaction.