Metal-free synthesis of pyridin-2-yl ureas from 2-aminopyridinium salts

An unprecedented base promoted domino approach has been developed for the synthesis of pyridin-2-yl urea derivatives via the reaction of 2-aminopyridinium salts and arylamines. The developed strategy tolerated a wide range of functional groups and afforded pyridin-2-yl ureas in moderate to good yields. The reaction was postulated to involve tandem cyclization, intermolecular nucleophilic addition, ring opening, and demethylation.