Synthesis of biaryls and polyaryls by ligand-free Suzuki reaction in aqueous phase

A highly efficient palladium acetate-catalyzed ligand-free Suzuki reaction in aqueous phase was developed in short reaction times (0.5-1 h) at 35 degrees C in air. The key for such a successful catalytic system was the use of a suitable amount of cosolvents in the aqueous phase. The method could be extended to the consecutive multi-Suzuki coupling, and polyaryls were prepared in a single one-pot step in high selectivity and excellent yield under mild reaction conditions (60 degrees C).