Aqueous-phase Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions catalyzed by Pd-NHC complexes

Abstract

Cleavage reactions of [PdBr₂(NHC)]₂ with two equiv. of pyridine derivatives (L), having one or two carboxylic acid groups [L = NC₅H₄-2-COOH, NC₅H₄-3-COOH, NC₅H₄-4-COOH, or NC₅H₃-2,6-(COOH)₂ in chloroform or DMSO, respectively, afforded the monomeric mixed ligand complexes trans-[PdBr₂(NHC)L] (1–4) which, due to deprotonation of the carboxylic acid functionality, are water soluble in KOH. The catalytic activity of complexes 1–4 in aqueous Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions were evaluated and compared. The dicarboxylic functionality enhances the catalyst reactivity and stability and the carboxylate derived from 4 could be easily recovered and reused for several cycles under the mild reaction conditions.