Palladium-phosphinous acid-catalyzed NaOH-promoted cross-coupling reactions of arylsiloxanes with aryl chlorides and bromides in water.

A palladium-phosphinous acid-catalyzed and NaOH-promoted coupling method using arylsiloxanes and aryl halides in water has been developed. The POPd1-catalyzed reaction between aryl chlorides or bromides and arylsiloxanes is compatible with various functional groups and affords biaryls in up to 99% yield. This cross-coupling reaction does not require additives such as surfactants or organic cosolvents and proceeds under air, which greatly facilitates operation and catalyst handling.