Main directions of development in 1,4-dihydropyridines chemistry – a review

This review covers the literature published over the last 5 years on the practical use, synthesis, and oxidation of 1,4-dihydropyridines (1,4-DHP). A summary is given on recent research on the biological activity of 1,4-DHP (Hantzsch esters) as antioxidants and calcium channel antagonists. The article provides information about the main trends in the development of pharmaceuticals based on 1,4-DHP. The main directions of the synthesis of 1,4-DHP systems, closely linked to the development of new biologically active substances, are discussed. New and traditional methods for the aromatization of 1,4-DHP are summarized, including recent studies on the mechanism of this reaction.