Biaryl Synthesis via Direct Arylation:  Establishment of an Efficient Catalyst for Intramolecular Processes

In this Communication, we describe direct arylation reactions with improved scope and catalyst activity for the intramolecular formation of biaryl compounds. This was achieved through the establishment of a highly active and robust catalyst system and the subsequent development of a novel phosphine ligand 27. The enhanced catalytic activity extends these transformations to include previously unreactive and poorly reactive substrates, and allows for very low catalyst loadings to be employed-as little as 0.1 mol %.