Multi-functionalized 2,2':6',2''-terpyridines

In this contribution, Stille-type cross-coupling procedure is shown to be an easy and universal way to prepare a variety of functionalized terpyridines. They may be functionalized in one step with different substituents at the outer pyridine rings and at the 4'-position of the centered ring, leading to multi-functionalized compounds. The initially obtained methylester and ethylester groups may be simply converted into bromomethyl and hydroxymethyl groups, which allow further functionalization reactions.