Pd(II)-catalyzed C–H olefination of aryl 2-pyridyl sulfoxides with unactivated and activated olefins has been demonstrated. We employed environmentally benign and inexpensive molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant. The versatile nature of the 2-pyridyl sulfoxide directing group has been proven by its transformation to the sulfone functionality. Deuterium scrambling experiments and intramolecular kinetic isotopic studies were carried out to gain insights into the reaction pathway.
Key words
C–H olefination - 2-pyridyl sulfoxides - molecular oxygen - palladium(II) catalysis