Mild Palladium-Catalyzed C-H Alkylation Using Potassium Alkyltrifluoroborates in Combination with MnF3

A Pd-catalyzed method for ligand-directed C-H alkylation with organoboron reagents is described. The combination of potassium organo-trifluoroborates, MnF3, and a Pd-II catalyst effects pyridine and amide-directed C-H alkylation. These reactions proceed under mild conditions (25-40 degrees C in weakly acidic media), are effective for installing methyl and 1 degrees alkyl groups, and do not require promoters such as benzoquinone.