Pd-Catalyzed Hirao P–C Coupling Reactions with Dihalogenobenzenes without the Usual P-Ligands under MW Conditions

Abstract

A literature survey of the P–C coupling reactions of 1,4-and 1,2-bromo-iodobenzenes with diphenylphosphine oxide or diethyl phosphite under different conditions comprising Pd-, Ni-, or Cu-catalysis revealed that, depending on the experimental details, the yields of the corresponding >P(O)-bromobenzenes were rather diverse and occasionally contradicting. Therefore, the reactivity of a series of 1,4-, 1,3- and 1,2-dibromo- and bromo-iodobenzenes with the above mentioned P-reagents was evaluated under the “P-ligand-free” microwave (MW)-assisted conditions elaborated by us. Starting from dibromobenzenes and iodo-bromoarenes, practical and competent syntheses were developed for phosphonoyl- and phosphinoyl-bromoarenes, and, in a few instances, for arenes with two P-functions. The cheaper dibromobenzenes may be substituted for the bromo-iodo derivatives. In all, 12 products were prepared in yields of 45–82%. They were fully characterized. The method described does not require the use of traditional P-ligands.