To a solution of 2-bromo-1-tert-butyl-4-nitrobenzene (8.6 g, 33.3 mmol) and toluene (70 mL) in a 150 mL round bottom flask, 4-pyridylboronic acid (4.5 g, 36.6 mmol), Pd(PPh3)4 (3.8 g, 3.3 mmol) and K2CO3 (13.8 g, 99.9 mmol) were added. The solution was stirred for 24 h at 80° C. before cooling to RT. The solution was filtered through a pad of Celite® and purified by silica flash chromatography (30% EtOAc/Hexanes). This afforded the desired compound as a yellow solid. MS (ES+): 257.2 (M+H)+; (ES−): 255.2 (M−H)−. Calc'd for C15H16N2O2: 256.12.
