Synthesis of symmetrical and unsymmetrical tellurides via silver catalysis

We describe here a simple and efficient methodology for the cross-coupling reaction of diaryl ditellurides with aryl boronic acids catalyzed by AgNO3. The general applicability and wide substrate scope make this an interesting method for the synthesis of a series of symmetrical and unsymmetrical diaryl tellurides. This silver-catalyzed protocol tolerates a variety of diaryl ditellurides as well as aryl boronic acids by using only 10 mol% of AgNO3 to provide the desired products in high yields. The reaction mechanism was proposed after high resolution mass spectrometry analysis and the active (PhTe)(2)Ag-III intermediate could be detected.