functionalized 2-arylpyridines are obtained in moderate to excellent yields by a one-step chemical procedure from corresponding halides. The NiBr2(2,2′-bipyridine) complex appears to be an extremely suitable catalyst for the activation in the presence of manganese dust of aromatic halides and pyridyl halides functionalized by reactive groups. The versatility of this original process represents a simple alternative
contributed equally to this work. Abstract The preparation of pyridylzinc compounds from the corresponding pyridyl halides using a cobalt catalyst is described. The complex employed features a polydentate N-heterocyclic ligand and allows the reaction to be carried out in the absence of pyridine as co-solvent and also in THF in place of acetonitrile. First cross-coupling attempts are also presented. Satisfactory