Use of Aromatic Acid Anhydrides as Arylation Agents in the Heck Reaction

Abstract

The use of bromide or chloride additives in styrene phenylation by benzoic acid anhydride results in an increase in catalytic activity and the yield of arylation products. The best results are obtained when LiCl is used. In this case, the yield of stilbene increases from 14 to 85%. Kinetics and regioselectivity of the reaction suggest that the reason for the activating effect of halides is the formation of benzoyl palladium halide complexes that readily eliminate CO in the form of an acidoligand.