Synthesis of functionalized 3-pyridyl methyl ketones

A synthesis of 3-pyridyl methyl ketones is described that employs a palladium-catalyzed olefination of 3-bromopyridines with butyl vinyl ether followed by acid hydrolysis of the intermediate pyridyl vinyl ether in situ. This method has been applied to bromoquinoline substrates as well. The reaction is compatible with a variety of functional groups.