Direct arylation of azine N-oxides with aryl triflates

Palladium catalyzed direct arylation of azine N-oxides using aryl triflates to afford the corresponding 2-aryl azine N-oxides is described. The reaction is carried out with a range of both N-oxides and aryl triflates. The arylation can be carried out in sequence to yield differentially diarylated products. The regioselectivity and scope of 3-substituted azine N-oxides are investigated. The method is applied to the synthesis of a compound that exhibits antimalarial and antimicrobial activities.