Some applications of the Grignard cross-coupling reaction in the industrial field

We have been offering various fine chemical products used in a wide range of industrial fields by accumulated Grignard reaction technology. The prodcut, which we manufactured first in 1984 by the Grignard cross-coupling reaction, was p-chlorostyrene (PCST). PCST is useful as a raw material for functional polymers and synthetic reagents. For the industrialization of PCST, we used the nickel-phophine catalyzed cross-coupling reaction reported by Kumada and Tamao in 1972. We have been manufacturing various kinds of compounds using cross-coupling reaction after development of PCST. In this paper, we describe four types of the Grignard cross-coupling reactions currently carried out in our company. In addition, we show the plant performing the Grignard cross-coupling reaction, and describe the manufacturing process.