N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Palladium-Imine Complex Catalyzed α-Arylation of Ketones with Aryl and Heteroaryl Chlorides Under Air Atmosphere

Abstract A new structure of saturated ring skeleton monoligated NHC-Pd-Imine complex was easily synthesized and unambiguously confirmed by X-ray single crystal diffraction. It was found to be an efficient and air-stable catalyst for the α-arylation of ketones. The reaction could be operated in air without any negative effect. Non-activated aryl and heteroaryl chlorides have been successfully applied in the reaction with only 0.5 mol% catalyst loadings under air atmosphere. Excellent to good product yields were afforded.