Copper-catalysed cross-coupling of arylzirconium reagents with aryl and heteroaryl iodides

Abstract

An unprecedented Cu^I-catalysed cross-coupling of arylzirconium reagents with aryl and heteroaryl iodides is reported. Mechanistic studies with a Cp₂ZrAr₂ complex revealed that Cp₂Zr(Ar)(Cl) is the reactive species that undergoes transmetalation with (PN-1)CuI. In addition, experiments with radical probes indicated that the reaction proceeds via a non-radical pathway.