Synthesis of Biaryls by Pd-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Homo- and Heterocoupling of Substituted Benzoic Acids

By carefully choosing the right substrate ratio, catalyst combination, and base, symmetrical and unsymmetrical biaryls can be readily synthesized through the Pd-catalyzed decarboxylative homo- and heterocoupling of substituted benzoic acids. The reaction gave the desired products in 40-90% yield and is compatible with 2-nitro-, 2-methoxy-, 2-fluoro-, and 2-chloro-substituted benzoic acids.