Computational study of the transmetalation process in the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling of aryls

The transmetalation step of the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling between aryl groups is analyzed by means of DFT calculations with the Becke3LYP functional. The halide considered is Ph–Br, and the organoboronic acid is Ph–B(OH)2. The model catalyst is Pd(PH3)2, and the base, OH−. The transmetalation is considered to start from the Pd(Ph)(PH3)2Br complex, the product of the oxidative addition. The results are compared with those of a previous study on the analogous reaction with vinyl groups, and it is shown that the reaction mechanism is very similar.

DFT calculations confirm that the palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling between phenyl bromide and phenylboronic acid requires the presence of a base, and suggest that the mechanism starts with the attack of the base on the organoboronic acid.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide