Pd-catalyzed C3-selective arylation of pyridines with phenyl tosylates.

We have discovered that phenyl tosylates can be used to arylate pyridines at the C3-position using a Pd(OAc)2-1,10-phenanthroline catalyst system. We also discovered that the reaction of 4-methylpyridine with naphthyl tosylates occurred on the methyl group instead of at the C3-position.