Novel monoligated imine–Pd–NHC complexes: extremely active pre-catalysts for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of aryl chlorides

Novel monoligated imine–Pd–NHC pre-catalysts with extremely high activity for the coupling of aryl chlorides and aryl boronic acids have been well explored. Three diffident catalysts could be obtained through one reaction. Changes in imine ligands would lead to remarkable variation on catalytic activity. Under mild reaction conditions, high reaction yields were achieved. A wide range of biphenyls could be efficiently obtained at ultra low catalyst loadings of 0.005 mol %.