Arylzinc species by microwave assisted Grignard formation–transmetallation sequence: application in the Negishi coupling

Arylmagnesium species can be efficiently generated from magnesium turnings and aryl chlorides or aryl bromides under dielectric heating conditions. Subsequent microwave assisted transmetallation using ZnCl2–TMEDA afforded the corresponding arylzinc reagents. A sequential microwave assisted arylmagnesium formation–transmetallation–Negishi coupling protocol suitable for automated multiple parallel synthesis has been developed.