Controlled 'decomposition' of "kinetic" higher order cyanocuprates: A new route to unsymmetrical biaryls

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)88522-7

By controlling two key reaction parameters (temperature and mode of formation), unprecedented "kinetic" higher order cyanocuprates can be generated. Under oxidative conditins, their chemistry is unique when compared with constitutionally identical reagents formulated in the usual manner. Employing mixed diaryl reagents ArAr′Cu(CN)Li₂, prepared from ArLi, Ar′Li, and CuCN, unsymmetrical biaryls (Ar-Ar′) can be realized with remarkable selectivity, in high chemical yields, and in a predicatable fashion.