Palladium-Catalyzed Regioselective C-H Acetoxylation of 2-Aryloxypyridines with 2-Pyridyloxy as a Removable Directing Group.

A simple and regioselective palladium-catalyzed ortho-C(sp²)-H acetoxylation of 2-aryloxypyridines with PhI(OAc)₂ as both the oxidant and acetate source has been developed. The mono- and di-acetoxylated products can be achieved by tuning the equivalents of PhI(OAc)₂ and the reaction temperature. A wide range of 2-aryloxypyridines is tolerated. Moreover, 2-pyridyloxyl and acetyl groups can be easily removed, which provides straightforward access to poly-substituted phenols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]