Synthesis of (1E,3E)-1,4-diarylbuta-1,3-dienes promoted by μ-OMs palladium–dimer complex

A convenient approach for (1E,3E)-1,4-diarylbuta-1,3-dienes via intermolecular Heck reaction of olefins and β-bromostyrenes promoted by μ-OMs palladium–dimer complex has been successfully developed. The products 1,4-conjugated dienes could be obtained with good yield (up to 82%). The catalyst system has excellent chemical selectivity and group tolerance which could supply an alternative way to gain the valuable biaryl linkage building blocks. Furthermore, fluorescence studies of dienes showed that some of them may have potential applications as luminescent clusters.[graphic not available: see fulltext]