New syntheses of orelline and analogues via metalation and cross-coupling reactions

New total syntheses of orelline and some analogues are reported. The methodology involves metalation of 3-alkoxy-2-iodopyridines to afford 3,4-dialkoxy-2-iodopyridines, on which cross-coupling reactions are performed to reach the 2,2′-bipyridine skeleton of the alkaloid.