A mild and efficient Pd-catalyzed protocol for the direct synthesis of aryl ketones has been developed through a reaction of arylboronic acids (and their ester derivatives) with aromatic as well as aliphatic nitriles. The reaction operates under mild conditions in presence of minimal amounts of PTSA as a cost-effective acid additive and with water serving as the sole solvent, which enhances the sustainability of the process. This method exhibits excellent functional group tolerance and a broad substrate scope, providing both diaryl and alkyl aryl ketones in moderate to excellent yields. Notably, this methodology also demonstrates its utility in the synthesis of a pharmaceutically relevant compound, (4-Methoxyphenyl)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanone (PHT) with a remarkable yield of 96%.

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