Borane-Catalyzed C3-Alkylation of Pyridines with Imines, Aldehydes, or Ketones as Electrophiles

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 Mar 23;144(11):4810-4818. doi: 10.1021/jacs.2c00962. Epub 2022 Mar 8.

Abstract

Achieving C3-selective pyridine functionalization is a longstanding challenge in organic chemistry. The existing methods, including electrophilic aromatic substitution and C-H activation, often require harsh reaction conditions and excess pyridine and generate multiple regioisomers. Herein, we report a method for borane-catalyzed tandem reactions that result in exclusively C3-selective alkylation of pyridines. These tandem reactions consist of pyridine hydroboration, nucleophilic addition of the resulting dihydropyridine to an imine, an aldehyde, or a ketone, and subsequent oxidative aromatization. Because the pyridine is the limiting reactant and the reaction conditions are mild, this method constitutes a practical tool for late-stage functionalization of structurally complex pharmaceuticals bearing a pyridine moiety.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aldehydes*
  • Alkylation
  • Boranes*
  • Catalysis
  • Imines
  • Ketones
  • Molecular Structure
  • Pyridines

Substances

  • Aldehydes
  • Boranes
  • Imines
  • Ketones
  • Pyridines