Late-Stage Pyridination via Pd-Catalyzed Transformation of Arylthianthrenium Salts

We report a palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of arylthianthrenium and pyridylphosphonium salts for direct arene pyridination. The silver-mediated transformation forges aryl-pyridine bonds exclusively at pyridine C4 under mild conditions without directing groups. This strategy combines two bench-stable reagents, circumventing limitations associated with conventional pyridination precursors. With excellent functional group tolerance, the method establishes a versatile platform for late-stage aromatic diversification in pharmaceutical research, as demonstrated through successful modification of complex bioactive scaffolds.