The synthesis of 5-substituted ring E analogs of methyllycaconitine via the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction.

Novel 3,5-disubstituted ring E analogs of methyllycaconitine were prepared and evaluated in nicotinic acetylcholine receptor binding assays. The desired analogs were prepared through the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction of methyl 5-bromo-nicotinate. The Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions of pyridines with electron withdrawing substituents have not been extensively described previously.