Addition of i-PrMgCl to pyridine N-oxides in THF at -78 degrees C generates selectively an ortho-metallated species, which can he trapped with various electrophiles to generate 2-substituted pyridine N-oxides. Furthermore, by applying a double metal-catalyzed cross-coupling, direct arylation of the pyridine N-oxides is achieved. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.