Structural and Synthetic Insights into Pyridine Homocouplings Mediated by a β-Diketiminato Magnesium Amide Complex

The reaction of [(^Dipp Nacnac)Mg(TMP)] (1) with 4-subtituted pyridines proceeds via sequential regioselective metallation and 1,2-addition to furnish a range of symmetric 4,4'-R₂ -2,2'-bipyridines in good yield, representing a new entry into bipyridine synthesis. Interestingly, the reaction of 1 with 2-OMe-pyridine led to formation of asymmetric bipyridine 6, resulting from the C6-magnesiation of the heterocycle followed by a C-C coupling step by addition to the C2 position of a second, non-metallated molecule, and subsequent elimination of [^Dipp NacnacMgOMe]₂ (7). Synthesis combined with spectroscopic and structural analysis help rationalise the underlying processes resulting in the observed reactivity, and elucidate the key role that the sterically encumbered β-diketiminate ligand plays in determining regioselectivity.