Single-step oxidative homocoupling of aryl Grignard reagents via Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) Complexes under air

Abstract

A simple catalytic system of direct synthesis for the symmetrical biaryls using catalytic amounts of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes has been developed. The reaction system involves in situ synthesis of Grignard reagents. The complexes, containing bidentate Schiff base and dmit (2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole- 4,5-dithiolate) ligands, were compatible with diverse functionalities and afford a high yield of biaryls in a single step, proving to be promising catalysts in homocoupling reactions. Atmospheric oxygen is used as an oxidant which renders a green, simple and economical catalytic route. Copyright 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.