Preparation of α- and γ-(α-furyl)pyridines

Mixtures of isomeric alkyl-substituted (in the pyridine ring) α- and γ-(α-furyl)-pyridines were obtained in up to ∼40% yields by condensation of furfural and ammonia with several aliphatic ketones and aldehydes (at 370-380 °C with a cadmium calcium phosphate catalyst). The dependence of the yields and structures of the corresponding isomers on the structure of the starting carbonyl compound was examined. Data from the PMR and mass spectra were used to prove the structures of the pyridine bases obtained. © 1981 Plenum Publishing Corporation.