A new transition-metal-free amination of pyridine-2-sulfonyl chloride and related N-heterocycles using magnesium amides of type RNMgCl·LiCl is reported. Additionally, the directed ortho-magnesiation of pyridine-2-sulfonamides using TMPMgCl·LiCl was investigated. Reaction of the magnesium intermediates with various electrophiles and subsequent amination using magnesium amides led to a range of 2,3-functionalized pyridines. Also, cyclization reactions providing an aza-indole and an aza-carbazole were carried out.

A series of new silylated heterocycles has been efficiently prepared using an intramolecular silicon version of the Matteson rearrangement, providing two isomers of binuclear heterocycles. This method applies to a large variety of substrates, a direct relationship between the Hammett constants of the aromatic substituents and the isomer ratio being observed. Complementary experiments suggest that a common pentaorganosilicate species is involved.