Heteroaromatic Tosylates as Electrophiles in Regioselective Mizoroki-Heck-Coupling Reactions with Electron-Rich Olefins

Heteroaromatic 2-pyridyl tosylates were successfully applied as electrophiles in palladium(0)-catalyzed Mizoroki-Heck-coupling reactions to electron-rich olefins with complete alpha-regioselectivity. This protocol represents a general strategy for the application of pyridyl tosylates and mesylates in the Mizoroki-Heck coupling. The catalytic system also proved adaptable to changes in the heteroaromatic core as well as large-scale applications. Finally, the synthetic utility of the functionalized alpha-heteroarylvinyl amides was established providing straightforward access to highly functionalized heteroaromatic compounds including chiral benzylic amide derivatives.