Microwave-Assisted Heterogeneous Cross-Coupling Reactions Catalyzed by Nickel-in-Charcoal (Ni/C)

A study involving the relatively rare combination of heterogeneous catalysis conducted under microwave conditions is presented. Carbon–carbon bond formation, including Negishi and Suzuki couplings, can be quickly effected with aryl chloride partners by using a base metal (nickel) adsorbed in the pores of activated charcoal. Aminations were also studied, along with cross-couplings of vinyl alanes with benzylic chlorides as a means to stereodefined allylated aromatics. Reaction times for all these processes are typically reduced from several hours to minutes in a microwave reactor.