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