A Pyridine–Pyridine Cross‐Coupling Reaction via Dearomatized Radical Intermediates

Abstract A pyridine–pyridine coupling reaction has been developed between pyridyl phosphonium salts and cyanopyridines using B 2 pin 2 as an electron‐transfer reagent. Complete regio‐ and cross‐selectivity are observed when forming a range of valuable 2,4′‐bipyridines. Phosphonium salts were found to be the only viable radical precursors in this process, and mechanistic studies indicate that the process does not proceed through a Minisci‐type coupling involving a pyridyl radical. Instead, a radical–radical coupling process between a boryl phosphonium pyridyl radical and a boryl‐stabilized cyanopyridine radical explains the C−C bond‐forming step.