Functionalization at the C3 position of the cephalosporin pharmacophore by palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions†

Herein, we describe a new methodology for selective cephalosporin functionalization at the C3 position. First, an optimization study of the reaction conditions was performed and allowed favourable parameters for the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction to be defined. Then, the scope of the reaction was evaluated using various boronic acids, and the reaction demonstrated a good functional-group tolerance profile. Finally, the formation of some side-products was also investigated, and the main limitations of the reaction were defined.