Pd-catalyzed Suzuki cross-Coupling reaction of bromostilbene: insights on the nature of the boron Species

Arylboronate esters and arylborate salts can be used as partner for the Suzuki reaction of (E)-bromostilbene in the presence of Pd(OAc)2/PPh3 as catalyst precursor. While KOH is necessary for the coupling reaction with arylboronic acids and pinacol esters, aryl borate sodium salt can be used in a base-free protocol. The comparison between the three organoboron compounds using competitive experiments and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis supports the proposition that the base initially reacts with the arylboronic acid or ester to form an arylborate species which undergoes the transmetallation process with the palladium catalyst.