Synthesis of β-aryl ketones by tetraphosphine/palladium catalysed Heck reactions of 2- or 3-substituted allylic alcohols with aryl bromides

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/j.tet.2006.02.061

Through the use of [PdCl(C₃H₅)]₂/cis,cis,cis-1,2,3,4-tetrakis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)cyclopentane as a catalyst, a range of aryl bromides undergoes Heck reaction using 2- or 3-subtituted allylic alcohols. With these sterically congested alkenes, the selective formation of β-aryl ketones was observed when appropriate reaction conditions were used. The influence of the functional group on the aryl bromide and of the base on the selectivity is remarkable. With several substrates, much higher selectivities were obtained using NaHCO₃ instead of K₂CO₃ as base. Furthermore, this catalyst can be used at low loading with several substrates.