Homocoupling of aryl Grignard reagents to form biaryls using ruthenium(III) complex, [RuCl(C3S5)(H2O)(PPh3)2]

Ruthenium(III) complex, [RuCl(C3S5)(H2O)(PPh3)2] is an effective catalyst for the homocoupling of the aryl-Grignard reagents (ArMgX) to form biaryl derivatives. The catalytic methodology involves an in situ generation of the Grignard reagents. The method is simpler, economical and of great synthetic utility. The reaction will be environmental friendly due to the involvement of molecular oxygen as oxidant.

Graphical abstractAn effective catalytic system for the homocoupling of Grignard reagents using Ru(III) catalyst containing triphenylphoshine and dithiolato ligands has been developed. The reported catalytic procedure of in situ formation of Grignard reagent makes the biaryl synthesis route much simpler, economical and of great synthetic utility. The molecular oxygen served as an oxidant renders the reaction green.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (53 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Synthesis of ruthenium(III) catalyst containing triphenylphosphine and dithiolato ligands. ► In situ formation of Grignard reagent. ► Catalytic methodology involves molecular oxygen as the oxidant. ► Peroxo-ruthenium(IV) intermediate is proposed as the active species in catalytic cycle. ► Catalyst has showed chemoselectivity and high performance for biaryl synthesis.