A simple and highly efficient method for the preparation of tetrasubstituted NH-pyrrole from a wide range of chalcones and diethyl iminodiacetates via a Cu(OAc)2-promoted oxidation/[3+2]cycloaddition/aromatization cascade reaction has been developed. This reaction proceeds through dehydrogenations, deamination, and oxidative cyclization, affording the corresponding products in good to excellent yields. This convenient methodology for constructing tetrasubstituted NH-pyrroles has several advantages over existing methods, such as the use of easily accessible chalcones and readily available diethyl iminodiacetates, and mild reaction conditions. A wide range of substrates are tolerated.
