“…Transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions have emerged as one of the most powerful tools for the creative construction of both carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bonds, especially in the multistep synthesis of biologically active compounds. − From the series of typically applied d 10 metals, Pd-catalyzed transformations have received great interest, due to their excellent chemoselectivity, functional group tolerance, and mild operation conditions, which are of great importance in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. − Among these reactions, the Heck cross-coupling between an aryl halide and an sp 2 carbon atom represents a facile protocol to access fine chemicals including complex structures of active pharmaceutical ingredients, for example, montelukast (Merck, antiasthma agent), rilpivirine (Johnson & Johnson, anti-AIDS), eletriptan (Pfizer, antimigraine), and naproxen (Albemarle, anti-inflammatory) (Scheme ).…”