Abstract
The transformation of pyridines into benzene derivatives is described, using a one-pot ANRORC process with soft nucleophiles such as malonate. Triflic anhydride activates the pyridine to ANRORC synthesis of a carbocyclic β-aminoester intermediate, which aromatizes on heating. The reaction has been exemplified with a room temperature protocol, along with direct syntheses of biologi-cally active, tertiary-alkylated and isotopically-labelled benzoates.