PCP-Bis(phosphinite) pincer complexes: new homogeneous catalysts for α-arylation of ketones

Two new p-alkoxycarbonylated palladium bis(phosphinite) PCP pincer complexes are easily prepared and for the first time evaluated as homogeneous catalysts in α-arylation of ketone enolates. Apart from the total absence of phenyl–aryl exchange by-products and significantly low catalyst loadings, the general α-arylation protocols described in this letter feature not only a broad applicability to a range of ketones and aryl bromides with marked electronic and steric differences but also the possibility to generate mono-diarylated products.