Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction of aryl and heterocyclic bromides and aromatic polybromides on a Pd(II)‐hydrotalcite catalyst

The Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction of various bromine‐containing substrates and phenylboronic acid in toluene at 90 °C on a Pd(AcO)₂Py₂ catalyst supported on an Mg? Al hydrotalcite, using K₂CO₃ as the base, was studied. The conversion and selectivity results obtained for many of the substrates were excellent and similar to those provided by more active or even homogeneous catalysts. The reactions of aryl polybromides and phenylboronic acid gave the corresponding polyaromatic compounds in variable yields depending on the particular substrate. Arylation occurred in a consecutive manner by substitution of the different Br atoms. ICP‐MS measurements of the palladium content of the catalyst performed prior to and after the reaction revealed that part of the metal is incorporated into the bulk solution; therefore, the catalytic process is not purely heterogeneous. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.