Microwave-assisted Suzuki coupling reactions with an encapsulated palladium catalyst for batch and continuous-flow transformations

This article describes the design, optimisation and development of a Suzuki cross-coupling protocol mediated by an efficient palladium-encapsulated catalyst (Pd EnCat (TM)) under microwave irradiation. The methodology has been used in both batch mode for classical library preparation and in continuous-flow applications furnishing multigram quantities of material. Described is a method that uses direct focused microwave heating whilst applying an external cooling source. This enables a lower than normal bulk temperature to be maintained throughout the reaction period leading to significant improvements in the overall yield and purity of the reaction products. Additional aspects of this novel heating protocol are discussed in relation to the prolonged lifetime and enhanced reactivity of the immobilised catalyst system.