Ir(I)-catalyzed synthesis of N-substituted pyridones from 2-alkoxypyridines via C-O bond cleavage.

A cationic Ir(I) complex-catalyzed O-to-N-alkyl migration in 2-alkoxypyridines bearing a secondary alkyl group on the oxygen atom by C-O bond cleavage is described. The present transformation gave various N-alkylpyridones in moderate to good yields. The addition of sodium acetate played a key role in suppressing β-hydrogen elimination.