Synthesis of Dimethylbipyridines by the Reductive Coupling of 2‐Halomethylpyridines with Nickel Catalyst

Abstract

The one‐pot synthesis of 4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine and 6,6′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine by the reductive coupling of 2‐bromo‐4‐methylpyridine and 2‐bromo‐6‐methylpyridine, respectively, with nickel catalyst, generated in situ by the reduction of Ni(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ with zinc in the presence of Et₄NI, is described.

Keywords:

• 4,4′‐Dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine
• 6,6′‐dimethyl‐2,2‐bipyridine
• modified Ullmann‐type coupling
• nickel(0) catalyst
• reductive coupling of 2‐halomethylpyridines

Acknowledgment

This research was carried out with financial support from Indian Space Research Organization, Government of India.