No abstract

Using TMPZnCl·LiCl as a kinetically highly active base, nitriles and esters undergo a Pd-catalyzed α-arylation under mild conditions. Remarkably, in the case of α,β- or β,γ-unsaturated nitriles, a regioselective γ-arylation or a γ-alkenylation is observed.

No abstract

A new general Pd-catalyzed arylation of various 2-methyl-5-membered heterocycles is reported. This novel method requires Li-, Mg-, or Zn-TMP bases and allows selective metalation of the benzylic position. Subsequent Negishi cross-coupling provides the corresponding arylated heterocycles.