To a solution of 6-bromo-3-fluoro-2-methylpyridine (1.0 equiv.) in ethanol and toluene (1:1, 0.2 M) was added 2,6-difluorophenylboronic acid, DIEA (5 equiv.) and Pd(PPh3)4 (0.2 equiv.). The reaction was heated in the microwave at 120° C. for 30 min. The solution was filtered and rinsed with ethyl acetate. The volatiles were removed in vacuo and the crude was purified via silica gel column chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate and hexanes (2.5-20% ethyl acetate). Upon concentration of the pure fractions, 6-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-3-fluoro-2-methylpyridine was isolated in 88% yield. LC/MS=224.1 (M+H), Rt=0.87 min.
