Gold-Catalyzed Organometallic Cross-Coupling

Synthesis of biaryls by Suzuki-Miyaura or Hiyama coupling represents the-state-of-art in carbon-carbon bond formation, in which the coupling occurs between a nucleophile (Ar^δ-: arylboronates or arylsilanes) and an electrophile (Ar^δ+: arylhalides). The intrinsic functional group limitations in these reactions stem from the high catalytic reactivity of palladium and nickel catalysts toward halogen, boronate and base-sensitive substituents. We report a general dinuclear gold-catalyzed organometallic cross-coupling of arylboronates and arylsilanes without external base for the synthesis, with excellent functional group tolerance of asymmetric biaryls. Both coupling partners are readily available, bench-stable and non-toxic. A broad array of (pseudo)halogenated and borylated coupling partners can be successfully applied to this site-specific biaryl coupling. The biocompatibility of gold expedites the synthesis of biaryl pharmacophores avoiding the involvement of palladium residues.