Biscarboxy-Functionalized Imidazole and Palladium as Highly Active Catalytic System in Protic Solvents: Methanol and Water

The coupling reaction between aryl bromides and boron reagents is efficiently catalyzed by an in situ generated palladium complex obtained from palladium(II) acetate (0.1 mol%) and 1,3-bis(carboxymethyl)imidazole (0.2 mol%). The catalytic system is very active in protic solvents, especially in methanol. Biaryl derivatives have been prepared in good isolated yields (up to >99%), and additionally styrene and stilbene derivatives have also been prepared by means of this protocol.

Financial support from the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN) of Spain (Project Nos. CTQ2007-65218, CTQ2011-24165, Consolider Ingenio 2010 CSD2007-00006), the Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO/2009/039 and FEDER), and the Universidad de Alicante is acknowledged.