Copper-Catalyzed α-Methylenation of Benzylpyridines Using Dimethylacetamide as One-Carbon Source

Abstract

The direct α-methylenation of benzylpyridines was achieved using N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA) as a one-carbon source under copper catalysis. An intermediary species was detected at an early stage, and a possible mechanism was proposed. Additionally, α-oxygenation and dimerization of benzylpyridines could also be performed efficiently.