Palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of thioureas or thioamides

Nat Commun. 2019 Dec 13;10(1):5709. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-13701-5.

Abstract

Cross-coupling reactions involving metal carbene intermediates play an increasingly important role in C-C bond formation. Expanding the carbene precursors to a broader range of starting materials and more diverse products is an ongoing challenge in synthetic organic chemistry. Herein, we report a Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction of in situ-generated Pd-carbene complexes via desulfurization of thioureas or thioamides. This strategy enables the preparation of a broad array of substituted amidinium salts and unsymmetrical diaryl ketones. The reaction is readily scalable, compatible with bromo groups on aromatic rings, tolerant to moisture and air and has a broad substrate scope. Furthermore, a single crystal structure of Pd-diaminocarbene complex is obtained and proven to be the key intermediate in both catalytic and stoichiometric reactions. Preliminary mechanistic studies demonstrate the dual role of the silver salt as a desulfurating reagent assisting the elimination of sulfur and as oxidant facilitating the PdII/Pd0/PdII catalytic cycle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't