lithium-chloride and trifluoromethanesulfonic-acid

While the synthesis of biaryls has advanced rapidly in the past decades, cross-Ullman couplings of aryl chlorides, the most abundant aryl electrophiles, have remained elusive. Reported here is the first general cross-Ullman coupling of aryl chlorides with aryl triflates. The selectivity challenge associated with coupling an inert electrophile with a reactive one is overcome using a multimetallic strategy with the appropriate choice of additive. Studies demonstrate that LiCl is essential for effective cross-coupling by accelerating the reduction of Ni(II) to Ni(0) and counteracting autoinhibition of reduction at Zn(0) by Zn(II) salts. The modified conditions tolerate a variety of functional groups on either coupling partner (42 examples), and examples include a three-step synthesis of flurbiprofen.

Topics: Coordination Complexes; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Lithium Chloride; Mesylates; Molecular Structure; Nickel; Zinc

In situ generated aryl, heteroaryl, alkyl, or benzylic polyfunctional zinc reagents obtained by the addition of zinc and LiCl to the corresponding organic iodides undergo smooth Pd(0)-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions with aryl bromides, chlorides, and triflates in the presence of PEPPSI as a catalyst. This procedure avoids the manipulation of water and air-sensitive organozinc reagents and produces cross-coupling products in high yields.

Topics: Hydrocarbons, Brominated; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Lithium Chloride; Mesylates; Molecular Structure; Organometallic Compounds; Stereoisomerism; Zinc