Regioselective synthesis of N-alkenyl 2-pyridones via N–C(β) bond construction

A general and mild strategy for the regioselective synthesis of N-alkenyl 2-pyridones via N–C(β) bond formation is reported. Using readily available β-iodovinylsulfones as alkenylating agents, the reaction affords a diverse array of products in moderate to high yields with moderate to excellent Z -selectivity. Various 2-pyridones and β-iodovinylsulfones bearing different functional groups are well tolerated. Notably, this protocol provides an alternative to conventional N–C(α) bond-forming approaches. Gram-scale experiments demonstrate the practical applicability and scalability of this transformation.