PALLADIUM-CATALYZED SELECTIVE α-ARYLATION OF ORTHO-BROMOACETOPHENONES

Synthesis of 1-(2-bromophenyl)-2-phenylethanones via an intermolecular Pd-catalyzed alpha-arylation of 1-(2-bromophenyl) ethanones is presented. The method relies on selective C-H activation (alpha-arylation) of relatively more reactive external iodo-arenes as coupling partners without affecting the bromo-substituent. Moreover, the scope and generality of the method has been well studied by employing the reaction with iodo-arenes as coupling partners bearing electron-withdrawing, simple, and electron-donating groups on the aromatic ring.