A simple catalytic system based on PdCl2(CH3CN)2 in water for cross-coupling reactions using diazonium salts

Aryl–heteroaryl and heteroaryl–heteroaryl compounds are obtained through the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions between diazonium salts and potassium trifluoroborates using PdCl₂(CH₃CN)₂ as the catalyst in water and in the absence of any additive, ligand or base. In addition, the same mild catalytic system is effective for the Matsuda–Heck reaction between several monoolefins with aryldiazonium salts.