Industrial Hantzsch synthesis

Dihydropyridines not only are intermediates for the synthesis of pyridines, but also are themselves an important class of N-heterocycles an example is the coenzyme NADH. Studies on the function of NADH led to increased interest in the synthesis of dihydropyridines as model compounds. Aryl-substituted dihy-dropyridines have been shown to be physiologically active as calcium antagonists. Some derivatives have found application in the therapy of high blood pressure and angina pectoris. For that reason the synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridines has been the subject of intensive research and industrial use. The Hantzsch synthesis has thus become an important reaction. 

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