The reactivity of the 4-pyridylboronate 5a for PdCl2 (dppf)-catalysed cross-coupling reaction with an anthraquinone triflate is presented, and compared with its 2-thienyl-and phenylboronic analogues. Best results have been obtained on a small scale with anhydrous K3PO4 using an O2-scavenger or under rigorously anaerobic conditions.