Ligand-Controlled Ni(0)–Al(III) Bimetal-Catalyzed C3–H Alkenylation of 2-Pyridones by Reversing Conventional Selectivity

Conventional C–H alkenylation with alkynes via low-valent transition-metal catalysis occurs at the C6 or C4 position of 2-pyridone with electron-deficient C–H bonds. A bifunctional ligand-bonded Ni–Al bimetallic catalyst resulted in a reversed selectivity, providing a series of C3-alkenylated 2-pyridones in up to 99% yields.