Catalytic C−C Bond Formation through Selective Activation of C−F Bonds

Abstract

The activation of strong sp2 C−F bonds in catalytic C−C cross-coupling reactions with aryl Grignard reagents under mild conditions is possible: A nickel complex bearing an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand was identified as the most active catalyst for this reaction [Eq. (1)]. With the selective activation of aromatic C−F bonds over C−H bonds present, cross-coupling chemistry employing aryl halides has finally overcome its most challenging hurdle with regard to catalyst activity. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2001/z16770_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.