Room temperature dehalogenation of chloroarenes by polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) under palladium catalysis

The first method for the reduction of chloroarenes by polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) is reported. Catalytic amounts of palladium(II) acetate in combination with PMHS and aqueous KF will rapidly hydrodehalogenate aryl chlorides at room temperature. The mildness of the method is demonstrated by its tolerance of ketones, amides, esters, nitriles, ethers, borate esters, and amines.