Ru-Catalyzed ortho-Selective Diborylation of 2-Arylpyridines toward the Construction of π-Conjugated Functions.

A ruthenium catalytic ortho-C-H diborylation of 2-arylpyridine derivatives, including challenging 2-phenoxypyridine functions, using a remarkably low catalyst loading and a low-cost and bench-stable boron source, has been developed. The novel strategy shows high activity with excellent selectivity and may offer a versatile and green alternative to currently employed high loadings of noble metals or extra additives for the selective borylations.