C–H addition reactivity of 2-phenylpyridine and 2,2′-bipyridine with pentaphenylborole

The reactions of pentaphenylborole with pyridines with a pendent aryl group in the 2-position, specifically 2-phenylpyridine and 2,2′-bipyridine, readily afforded adducts. Upon thermolysis, syn ortho C–H addition of the pendent arene was induced.