Regioselective synthesis of 3-(2-hydroxyaryl)pyridines via arynes and pyridine N-oxides.

A variety of substituted 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)pyridines have been prepared regioselectively by a transition-metal-free, mild, one-step route, which involves the reaction of pyridine N-oxides with silylaryl triflates in the presence of CsF in acetonitrile at room temperature. These reactions proceed in good yields through what appears to be a series of rearrangements.