Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction catalyzed by N-heterocyclic carbene-Pd(II)-PPh3 complexes under copper free and aerobic conditions

NHC-Pd-PPh3 complexes with the bulky N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands were synthesized and proceeded to Sonogashira-Hagihara coupling reaction between aryl bromides and phenylacatylene by low catalyst loading in DMF under copper free conditions.