Regioselective functionalisation of 2-(diphenylphosphino) pyridine: direct lithiation at the pyridine C-6 position

It is shown that 2-(diphenylphosphino)pyridine was efficiently and regioselectively metallated at the C-6 position by use of the BuLi–Me2N(CH2)2OLi basic system. The method described opened access to various functionally potential ligands or ligand precursors.