A heterogeneous-catalyst-based, microwave-assisted protocol for the synthesis of 2,2'-bipyridines.

A new method of preparing 2,2'-bipyridines with short reaction times by using microwave assistance and heterogeneous catalysts has been developed. With a Negishi-like protocol, it was found that Ni/Al(2)O(3)-SiO(2) afforded 2,2'-bipyridine products in up to 86% yield in 1 h. Palladium supported on alumina also provided yields of 2,2'-bipyridines comparable to those seen for homogeneous PEPPSI (1,3-diisopropylimidazol-2-ylidene)(3-chloropyridyl)palladium(II)dichloride) and tetrakis(triphenylphosphanyl)palladium complexes.