FPL-62129

Hantzsch-type 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives, e.g., I, substituted with highly electron-deficient aryl groups in the 4-position, on treatment with a variety of basic reagents in non-hydroxylic solvents, undergo an unexpected and ready scission of the inter-ring bond to give the corresponding 4-unsubstituted pyridine and an arene derived from the original 4-substituent.The scope of the reaction has been investigated and possible mechanisms are discussed.