Biaryl skeletons were directly constructed via palladium-catalyzed ortho-arylation of N,N-dimethyl benzylamine with aryl boronic acids with high efficiency and high regioselectivity under open-flask conditions. The N,N-dimethylaminomethyl group was first applied as a directing group in such an oxidative coupling. Various substrates proved to be efficient coupling partners, furnishing the corresponding ortho-monoarylated or -diarylated arenes in moderate to good yields under mild conditions.
Keywords: CH activation; N,N-dimethylbenzylamine; biaryls; boronic acid; oxidative coupling.
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