Functionalization of Pyridine and Quinoline Scaffolds by Using Organometallic Li‐, Mg‐ and Zn‐Reagents

Abstract This Review discusses the various methods for functionalizing pyridine and quinoline scaffolds, including direct selective metalation (DoM), halogen/metal exchange reactions, Li, Mg, and Zn insertion, and trans‐metalation approaches, which are then followed by cross‐coupling reactions of the Kumada or Negishi types. Selective deprotonation of aryl or pyridyl/quinolinyl derivatives can be performed using n ‐BuLi, LDA, and TMP‐based different organolithium, ‐magnesium, and ‐zinc reagents. The functionalized pyridine and quinoline‐based heterocyclic compounds were prepared by selectively deprotonating with presenting a directing functional group substituted pyridine/quinoline analogues in the presence of TMP‐bases (TMP−Li, Mg, Zn reagents). Different aryl or alkyl Li, Mg, and Zn reagents with electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing substituents undergo transition metal‐catalyzed C(sp 2 )−C(sp 2 ) and C(sp 2 )−C(sp 3 ) types of cross‐coupling reactions with pyridine/quinoline halides under mild conditions with the sustainable process producing complex N‐heterocycles. Using moderate and sustainable reaction conditions, sensitive functional group tolerance, and inexpensive and low toxic chemicals, highly functionalization of pyridine and quinoline‐based bioactive therapeutic scaffolds and natural products was accomplished. Therefore, in this article, we provide a succinct overview of the numerous synthetic strategies and practical methods used by various authors between 2010 and 2023 to functionalize pyridine and quinoline analogues using diverse Li, Mg, and Zn organometallic reagents.