An in situ generated CuI/metformin complex as a novel and efficient catalyst for C–N and C–O cross-coupling reactions

An in situ generated complex of copper(I) and a biguanide, namely metformin, was found to be a highly efficient homogeneous catalyst in N/O-arylation reactions. The O-arylation of substituted phenols with various aryl iodides and bromides was also achieved using this copper catalyst to afford diaryl ethers in good to excellent yields in DMF. This heterogeneous copper catalyst also promotes the N-arylation of imidazole with a variety of aryl halides (Cl, Br, I) in acetonitrile.