Synergistic Ligand Effect between N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) and Bicyclic Phosphoramidite (Briphos) Ligands in Pd-Catalyzed Amination

Abstract

A synergistic ligand effect between NHC and phosphorus ligands in Pd-catalyzed Buchwald–Hartwig amination reactions was demonstrated with tunable π-acceptor bicyclic bridgehead phosphoramidite (briphos) ligands. The catalytic activity of NHC-Pd-L (L = phosphorus ligand) precatalysts depends on the electronic properties of L. A NHC-Pd-L catalyst with an N-cyclohexyl-substituted briphos ligand was found to be highly efficient. A series of C–N bond coupling reactions between primary or secondary amines and aryl chlorides were performed with high yields under mild reaction conditions.