Synthesis of biphenyl-based phosphines by Suzuki coupling

A series of phosphine oxides has been synthesised by the palladium-catalysed Suzuki coupling of arylboronic acids with OPPh2(o-C6H4Br). On reduction with trichlorosilane, functionalised, biphenyl-based phosphine ligands were obtained in good yields. Our preliminary results indicate these ligands to be effective for palladium-catalysed C–C coupling reactions including the formation of their own oxides.