Efficient palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of beta-chloroalkylidene/arylidene malonates using microwave chemistry

A general method for the synthesis of beta-aryl/alkylarylidene malonates is reported. The key step involves the coupling of an arylboronic acid to a beta-chloroalkyl/arylidene malonate, in the presence of K2CO3 and 1 mol % of the air-stable palladium catalyst (POPd) under microwave irradiation, to afford beta-aryl/alkylarylidene malonates in good yields. The combination of mild reaction conditions, air stable catalyst, microwave-enhanced chemistry, and high levels of functional group compatibility make this an attractive synthetic approach to this class of compounds.