Regioselective polycouplings of polyhaloheteroaromatics

ORGN 222

Scott T Handy, shandy@mtsu.edu, Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, Box 68, Murfreesboro, TN 37132
The synthesis of polysubstituted heteroaromatics is of great utility in a variety of contexts. Currently, the most common approach to such molecules is the application of various classic condensation reactions. While effective, such reactions can be limited in terms of the substitution patterns accessible and substituents that are tolerated. Cross-coupling reactions afford more flexibility in this respect, but require two steps (halogenation and coupling) for each substituent that is to be installed. Recently, we have been exploring an alternative method that employs regioselective polycouplings of polysubstituted heteroaromatics. This approach has been highly successful for double Suzuki couplings of a variety of heteroaromatics, including thiophenes, pyrroles, pyridines, quinolines, pyrimidines, and thiazoles. These results and the general lessons learned will be presented.