Palladium-Catalyzed Direct Ortho Aroylation of 2-Phenoxypyridines with Aldehydes and Catalytic Mechanism Investigation

A direct ortho aroylation of 2-phenoxypyridines with aldehydes leading to aryl ketones by the use of palladium(II) acetate, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, and chlorobenzene as the catalyst, oxidant, and solvent, respectively, is presented. Intra- and intermolecular kinetic isotope effects, radical trapping, and controlled experiments were carried out to support the proposed catalytic mechanism for the reaction. Syntheses of (2-hydroxyphenyl)(phenyl)methanones and 1-hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-ones directed from ortho-aroylated 2-phenoxypyridines were demonstrated.