Alkylation Reactions of Azodicarboxylate Esters with 4-Alkyl-1,4-Dihydropyridines under Catalyst-Free Conditions.

Introduction of alkyl groups on azodicarboxylate esters is an important method to prepare alkyl amine derivatives. Herein, we report reactions of 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines as alkylation reagents with di- tert-butyl azodicarboxylate to prepare alkyl amine derivatives under heating conditions. The alkylation reactions via C-C bond cleavage of the dihydropyridines are achieved in the absence of catalysts and additives.