Palladium-catalyzed direct arylation of pyridine N-oxide with 2-bromoacetanilides. Synthesis of benzisoxazolo[2,3-a]pyridinium tetrafluoroborates

The synthesis of a variety of novel benzisoxazolo[2,3-a]pyridinium tetrafluoroborates is described. These compounds are conveniently prepared from pyridine N-oxide via a microwave-promoted palladium-catalyzed direct arylation of pyridine N-oxide with 2-bromoacetanilides to give 2-(2-acetamidoaryl)pyridine N-oxides, followed by hydrolysis, diazotization, and intramolecular displacement of nitrogen which affords the target benzisoxazolo[2,3-a]pyridinium tetrafluoroborates.