Palladium-Catalyzed C-2 Selective C-H Olefination of Pyridines

A novel and efficient protocol for the C-2 selective olefination of pyridines via a palladium-catalyzed oxidative cross-coupling reaction has been developed. A wide range of pyridines and olefin substrates including acrylic ester, styrene, and acrylamide are compatible. The products are highly useful building blocks for the synthesis of bioactive alkaloid natural products and drug molecules.