Palladium(II)-catalyzed intramolecular addition of arylboronic acids to ketones

A palladium(II)-catalyzed intramolecular addition of arylboronic acids to ketones was developed. Compared to Pd(OAc)2 catalysis system, cationic palladium complex with dppp as the ligand has higher catalytic activity and efficiency for wider scope of substrates. From this reaction, the normal addition product or the dehydrated product could be selectively furnished as controlled by additives. Highly optically active cyclic tertiary alcohols (up to 96% ee) can be obtained by using chiral cationic palladium complex as the catalyst.