The preparation of pyridylzinc compounds from the corresponding pyridyl halides using
a cobalt catalyst is described. The complex employed features a polydentate N-heterocyclic
ligand and allows the reaction to be carried out in the absence of pyridine as co-solvent
and also in THF in place of acetonitrile. First cross-coupling attempts are also presented.
Satisfactory yields were obtained via a one-pot protocol without the addition of another
catalyst.
Key words
cobalt catalysis - N-heterocyclic ligand - zinc - cross-coupling - pyridines
