C-N-palladacyclic-catalyzed Heck reaction in EGME/water: Rate and regioselectivity controlled by the solvents ratio

The combination [Pd]/K2CO3/EGME-H2O, where [Pd] is a C,N-cyclometalated Pd(II) dimer, was found to be an excellent catalytic system for the Heck reaction between styrene and bromobenzene. A controlled EGME/water ratio allows the achievement of the highest yield and regioselectivity.