Catalytic hydroarylation of alkynes with arenes in the presence of FeCl3 and AgOTf

Hydroarylation of propiolic acids with various arenes in TFA proceeded efficiently in the presence of FeCl3/AgOTf catalyst system. In the case of electron-rich arenes, the iron-catalyzed hydroarylation gave cinnamic acids in moderate to high yields. The hydroarylation of phenylacetylene was observed but the catalyst was not effective under the same conditions. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.