Pd(DPEPhos)Cl2-catalyzed Negishi cross-couplings for the formation of biaryl and diarylmethane phloroglucinol adducts

Several functionalized biaryls and diarylmethanes containing the phloroglucinol subunit were synthesized in 55–85% yields using Negishi cross-couplings of 2,4,6-trimethoxyphenylzinc chloride with aryl and benzyl halides in the presence of catalytic quantities of Pd(DPEPhos)Cl2. These simple to prepare couplings were generally complete in 1–24 h depending on the halide, and were applicable to aryl and benzyl halides containing both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups.