An Improved Preparation of Arylboronates: Application in One-Pot Suzuki Biaryl Synthesis†

We have developed a modification of the Miyaura arylboronate synthesis1a by substituting a ligandless palladium catalyst for PdCl2(dppf). Palladium acetate, free of ligand, was found highly effective for such coupling reactions. This modified procedure is advantageous over the original Miyaura synthesis in ease of workup, catalyst removal, and low catalyst cost. Furthermore, the boronates formed in this manner can be used directly for Suzuki coupling reactions in a one-pot fashion. The biaryl products have improved impurity profiles and reduced heavy metal contamination.