Diaryl Ketone Synthesis by [RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3]-catalyzed Coupling Reaction of Arylboronic Acids with Aryl Aldehydes

[RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)(3)] was found to be an efficient catalyst for the coupling reaction of arylboronic acids with aryl aldehydes. The reaction proceeded smoothly in the presence of K2CO3 and H2O to give diaryl ketones in good yields. Diaryl ketones were obtained from primarily formed alcohols via Ru-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation reaction.