The Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction provides a useful method for the synthesis of methyl 2-(2-chloropyridyl or 2-methoxypyridyl)phenylacetates. The 2-chloropyridyl or 2-methoxypyridyl ring system can be readily elaborated to N-substituted (OH, Me, CHF2, H) 1,2-dihydropyrid-2-one ring systems that are useful synthons for use in bioorganic and medicinal chemistry applications.