Palladium-catalysed amination of halopyridines on a KF-alumina surface

Palladium-catalysed C–N hetero cross-coupling reactions between bromopyridines and amines (both primary and secondary) can be efficiently performed on a KF-alumina (basic) surface, thus negating the use of strong bases such as sodium tert-butoxide. The reaction conditions are optimised with reference to catalytic systems, solvents and the surface.