Synthesis of phenoxypyridines under phase transfer catalysis conditions

Abstract

Reactions of halopyridines with alkali metal phenoxides in a two phase liquid-solid catalytic system, rather than in a liquid-liquid phase transfer catalytic system, make it possible to prepare 2-, 3-, and 4-phenoxypyridines from unactivated bromo- or chloropyridines and 2-chloropicolines. In polyhalogenated pyridines only α- and γ-halogen atoms undergo substitution. 7, 8-Dibromo-6-azaphenoxane has been prepared by the reaction of 2,3,5,6-tetrabromopyridine with the dipotassium salt of pyrocatechol. © 1988 Plenum Publishing Corporation.