A 2,2′-bipyridine-palladacycle catalyzed the coupling of arylboronic acids with nitroarenes

A novel palladium-catalyzed protocol for the synthesis of diaryl ethers derivatives has been developed. In the presence of 2,2′-bipyridine-cyclopalladated ferrocenylimine complex (Cat. Ic), diaryl ethers were selectively generated by adjusting reaction parameters through the coupling of arylboronic acids and nitroarenes with yields ranging from poor to good. The efficiency of this reaction was demonstrated by its compatibility with a range of groups. Moreover, the rigorous exclusion of air or moisture was not required in these transformations.