Palladium-Catalyzed Directed Halogenation of Bipyridine N‑Oxides

The palladium-catalyzed directed C–H halogenation of bipyridine N-oxides was investigated. Using NCS or NBS (N-chloro- or N-bromosuccinimide) and 5 mol % Pd­(OAc)₂ in chlorobenzene (0.10 molar) at 110 °C, pyridine-directed functionalization took place and 3-chloro- or 3-bromobipyridine N-oxides were obtained in high yields. The reaction is sensitive to steric hindrance by 4- and 6′-substituents. Only in the latter case, where coordination of palladium by the pyridine is hindered, 3′-halogenation directed by the N-oxide function was observed. The halogenated products were deoxygenated by PCl₃ or PBr₃.