A regioselective synthesis of trialkylpyrazines via nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of pyrazine triflate is reported. The 5-substituted 2,3-dimethylpyrazine derivatives including trail pheromone components of the ant Eutetramorium mocquerysi have been successfully synthesized in good yields by nickel-catalyzed Negishi cross-coupling reactions of pyrazine triflate mediated by alkyl and arylzinc halides.
Key words
trialkylpyrazine - pheromone - Negishi cross-coupling - pyrazine triflate - organozinc halide