Copper(II)-Mediated Dehydrogenative Cross-Coupling of Heteroarenes

Cu(OAc)(2)-mediated dehydrogenative cross-coupling between two heteroarenes has been realized in the absence of any other additive. A mechanism involving a formal Cu(II) to Cu(0) route by convergent disproportionation of the copper mediator is proposed and has been evidenced by copper mirror formation during the reaction. This synthetic protocol provides a concise and green access to unsymmetrical biheteroarenes bearing structural motifs of substantial utility in organic synthesis.