Efficient and fast Heck vinylation of 2-bromo-6-methyl pyridines with methylacrylate. Application to the synthesis of 6-methyl cyclopenta[b]pyridinone

Heck vinylation of 2-bromo-6-methyl-3-substituted pyridines using η³-allylpalladium chloride dimer/P(o-Tol)₃ complex/toluene and dimethylacetamide (DMA) as co-solvent with methyl acrylate is reported. Electronic and steric effects were investigated engaging diversely 2-bromo-3,6-disubstituted pyridines. As application, a new synthesis of the 6-methyl cyclopenta[b]pyridinone building-block connecting Heck vinylation, alkene reduction and Dieckmann condensation is described.