Reactivity and regioselectivity in Stille couplings of 3-substituted 2,4-dichloropyridines

The influence of substituents at C-3 of 2,4-dichloropyridines on their reactivity and regioselectivity in Pd-catalyzed cross-couplings is studied. As a model reaction, the (Ph3P)2PdCl2-catalyzed Stille coupling between 2-furyl(tributyl)tin and pyridines is chosen. Increased electron-withdrawing ability of a substituent at the pyridine 3-position improves the overall reactivity. Absolute selectivity for coupling at C-2 is achieved with an amino group at C-3, and the selectivity is totally reversed when the amino group is exchanged for a nitro substituent.