Pyrylium perchlorate, ring synthesis

In view of the development of the synthesis of various aromatic and heterocyclic compounds from pyrylium salts (80T679), the preparation of the unsubstituted pyrylium salt from pyridine is noteworthy (Scheme 269) (53CB1327). The pyridine-sulfur trioxide complex undergoes ring opening to the sodium salt of pent-2-ene-1,5-dial. This salt cyclizes in perchloric acid via the red oxonium salt. 

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