The olefin cross-metathesis reaction provides a rapid and efficient method for the synthesis of α, β-unsaturated 1, 5-dicarbonyl derivatives which then serve as effective precursors to mono− tetrasubstituted pyridines. Manipulation of the key 1, 5-dicarbonyl intermediate allows access to pyridines with a wide range of substitution patterns. An extension of this methodology facilitates the preparation of pyridines embedded within macrocycles, as ...