Synthesis of 4-benzylpyridines via Pd-catalyzed CH-arylation of 4-picoline.

A highly efficient synthesis of 4-benzylpyridines was developed via Pd-catalyzed C(sp)-H arylation between 4-picoline and aryl halides. It was found that the best yields were achieved with a simple Pd(PPh) catalyst and CsCO as the base. Compared with the known methods, our reaction does not require the use of a strong organometallic reagent as the base.

Copper-catalyzed decarboxylative methylthiolation of aromatic carboxylate salts with DMSO.

A novel copper-catalyzed decarboxylative methylthiolation of arenecarboxylate salts has been realized using DMSO as the methylthiolation source. Various potassium aryl carboxylates underwent decarboxylative methylthiolation under air to furnish the corresponding aryl methyl thioethers in moderate to excellent yields. The reaction tolerated a wide variety of functional groups.