Suzuki cross-coupling mediated by tetradentate N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-palladium complexes in an environmentally benign solvent

A highly effective, easy to handle and environmentally benign process for palladium mediated Suzuki cross-coupling was developed. By utilizing a solid support based NHC-palladium catalyst, cross couplings of aryl bromides with phenylboronic acid were achieved in neat water under air. A high ratio of substrate to catalyst was also realized.