Phosphine-free NiBr2-catalyzed synthesis of unsymmetrical diaryl ketones via carbonylative cross-coupling of aryl iodides with Ph3SnX (X = Cl, OEt)

The convenient nickel-catalyzed carbonylative coupling of aryl iodides with Ph3SnCl or Ph3SnOEt for synthesis of unsymmetrical diaryl ketones under phosphine-free condition is reported. The reaction occurs efficiently in the presence of Cr(CO)(6) as an easy handling solid source of carbon monoxide at atmospheric pressure and 100 degrees C in DMF under air to deliver the desired ketones in high yield. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.