Three-coordinate copper(I) 2-hydroxy-1,10-phenanthroline dinuclear complex catalyzed homocoupling of arylboronic acids towards biphenyls under air condition

An efficient synthesis of biphenyls via three-coordinate planar dinuclear Cu2(ophen)2 complex catalyzed homocoupling of arylboronic acids under air condition and in the condition of alkali-free was demonstrated. Uniquely, this catalyst shows high selectivity towards biphenyls when the reaction was conducted in aqueous solution, which is significantly different from selectivity towards phenols in related Cu-catalysts. Utilization of environmentally friendly water as main solvent, reaction at room temperature and in the absence of base, cheapness, low loading and easy bulk preparation of catalyst make it potential in green synthesis of biphenyls.