Preferential Reactivity of Pyridylmagnesiumchloride with N,N-Dialkyl Arylamides over Carbonitriles: Synthesis of 2-(Aroyl) Pyridines

Reaction of 2-pyridylmagnesium chlorides with N,N-dialkyl arylamides afford exclusively 2-(aroyl) pyridines in high yields and purity without the formation of any tertiary alcohol. This method employs easily available raw materials and avoids the use of hazardous lithium reagents and cryogenic conditions. Further, preferential reactivity of this Grignard reagent with N,N-dialkyl arylamides over its carbonitrile counterparts offers a variety of 2-(aroyl) pyridines including the ones containing carbonitrile groups on the aryl ring.