Efficient and scalable arylation of bicyclic lactones to form quaternary centers using conventional and microwave radiation

Easily accessible bicyclic lactones were efficiently arylated under modified Hartwig and Buchwald conditions to form quaternary aryl centers with complete cis selectivity. This series is notable in that unreactive substrates, including sterically-demanding ortho-substituted aromatic compounds, enjoyed significant rate acceleration under microwave radiation. Additionally, it was noted that the reactions could be accomplished under standard anaerobic conditions and on multi-gram scale.