Proline catalyzes direct C-H arylations of unactivated arenes.

Several amino acids were tested to catalyze the transition-metal-free direct C-H arylation of unactivated benzene derivatives. Among them, proline was found to be an excellent catalyst for the cross-coupling between aryl halides and unactivated arenes. The reaction presumably involves an aryl radical anion as the intermediate based on several experiments. The reaction using this catalyst system offers an option toward establishing an environmentally benign and cost-effective route to biaryls.