A Defined N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complex for the Palladium-Catalyzed Suzuki Cross-Coupling of Aryl Chlorides at Ambient Temperatures

Abstract

Highly active but sterically demanding: Ambient-temperature Suzuki cross-coupling of aryl chlorides is possible with a palladium(0) complex bearing two bulky, N-heterocyclic carbene ligands (see structure). Nearly quantitative yields are obtained within two hours with some reagents, which makes this compound the most active catalyst known to date under these conditions.