In situ-generated nano-palladium-catalyzed ligand-free Suzuki-Miyaura reaction of potassium aryltrifluoroborates at room temperature

A mild and simple protocol is described for the palladium-catalyzed ligand-free Suzuki-Miyaura reaction of potassium aryltrifluoroborates in aqueous ethanol at room temperature. Palladium nanoparticles are generated in situ in the reaction and demonstrate high activity towards a wide range of aryl bromides and potassium aryltrifluoroborates, providing biphenyls in good to excellent yields. Interestingly, only 1 equiv of K2CO3 is used in this catalytic system. Moreover, the key biaryl intermediate of 2-cyano-4′-methylbiphenyl within valsartan is prepared in a 95% yield after 2 h.

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