Improved Hiyama cross-coupling reactions using HOMSi® reagents: a novel application of a palladacycle

Various parameters in the Hiyama cross-coupling reaction of HOMSi® reagents with ethyl bromobenzoate were studied. These included solvent, ligand, palladium source, and added water. DMF and THF were found to be excellent solvents. Palladium chloride was found to be the best palladium source and no added water was required. The use of tri-o-tolylphosphine as the ligand proved to be particularly effective.