Palladium catalyzed reactions of derivatives of 2,4-diiodophenol are explored. Coupling reactions with a series of terminal alkynes and formylation are found to be efficient and regioselective. Coupling with stananne reagents and alkenes do not work. The nature of the oxygen protecting group is critical. The phytotoxic natural product, Eutypine, is synthesized by using regioselective formylation and alkyne coupling. An approach to the plant antimicrobial compound Plicatin B is examined.