A new approach to symmetric 2,2':6',2'-terpyridines

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(98)00005-2

A novel four step process for the preparation of symmetric terpyridines is presented. The title compound, 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine (1a) and a substituted derivative, 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine (1b) are prepared. Both 1a and 1b share a common precursor, 2,6-diacetylpyridine (2) and are prepared in overall yields of 73 and 93% respectively. The purities of the crude terpyridine products are in the 90-95% range.