Organocatalysis in cross-coupling: DMEDA-catalyzed direct C-H arylation of unactivated benzene

J Am Chem Soc. 2010 Dec 1;132(47):16737-40. doi: 10.1021/ja103050x. Epub 2010 Aug 2.

Abstract

A striking breakthrough to the frame of traditional cross-couplings/C-H functionalizations using an organocatalyst remains unprecedented. We uncovered a conceptually different approach toward the biaryl syntheses by using DMEDA as the catalyst to promote the direct C-H arylation of unactivated benzene in the presence of potassium tert-butoxide. The arylation of unactivated benzene with aryl iodides, or aryl bromides and even chlorides under the assistance of an iodo-group, could simply take place at 80 °C. The new methodology presumably involves an aryl radical anion as an intermediate. This finding offers an option toward establishing a new horizon for direct C-H/cross-coupling reactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Benzene / chemistry*
  • Carbon / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Ethylenediamines / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen / chemistry*

Substances

  • Ethylenediamines
  • dioctyldiQAS
  • Carbon
  • Hydrogen
  • Benzene