Regioselective Metalation and Functionalization of the Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine Scaffold Using Mg- and Zn-TMP Bases

A regioselective functionalization of the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine scaffold using Mg- and Zn-TMP bases (TMP = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl) in the presence or absence of BF3 center dot OEt2 is described. Also, various functionalized pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridines bearing an ester function (and an NHBoc or ethyl group) are magnesiated and functionalized, leading to polysubstituted heterocycles. Additionally, a sulfoxide directed ortho-metalation, followed by the transition-metal-free amination of a pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine sulfoxide, using a magnesium amide, is reported.