Rhodium-catalyzed synthesis of aryl ketones from carboxylic acid anhydrides and potassium aryltrifluoroborates in the presence of CuI

A new rhodium-catalyzed cross-coupling of carboxylic acid anhydrides and fluoroborates was described. In this system CuI played a very important role. Various potassium aryltri-functionalities were compatible in the reaction, and the desired products were obtained in good to excellent yields. A mechanism of this reaction using a Rh(I) model catalyst have also been proposed. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.