Pd/NHC-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of nitroarenes

Abstract

N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands effective for the cross-coupling of nitroarenes were identified. A rational design of the NHC ligand structures enabled significant reduction of catalyst loadings compared with the previous system employing BrettPhos as a phosphine ligand. Experimental and theoretical studies to compare these ligands gave some insights into high activity of the newly developed NHC ligands.