Efficient synthetic approach to m-terphenyl derivatives via arylation of azolium salts

Abstract

A series of m-terphenyl scaffolds connected to imidazolium salts have been obtained via Ru(II)-catalyzed arylation using haloarenes. The present approach offers structural flexibility, enabling effective access to diverse m-terphenyl based compounds, which may serve as promising candidates for various biological studies, in a single step utilizing readily available starting materials. Mechanistic studies reveal a pathway involving orthometalation, oxidative addition, and reductive elimination followed by a second arylation.