Nano ceria catalyzed Ullmann type coupling reactions

Ullmann type intermolecular coupling of aryl halide with hetero-aromatic compounds, such as phenols, amines, and thiophenols are key reactions for the formation of carbon-heteroatom bond in organic synthesis. We report a robust and novel method that provides an efficient and economic route for the synthesis of O, N, and S-arylation via Ullman coupling by using nano cerium oxide (ceria, CeO2). CeO2 is a cheaper catalyst compared to related copper based catalysts. This method provides a wide range of substrate applicability in the case of phenols and amines. Less reactive chlorobenzene substituted with strong electron withdrawing groups such as 4-nitrochlorobenzene and 4-cyanochlorobenzene favor the reaction. This protocol avoids the use of ligand and gives arylated product in satisfactory yields. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.