Copper catalyzed C(sp3)–H/C(sp3)–H cross-coupling of arylacetic acid equivalents with methylarenes via α-carbonyl radicals

Abstract

Arylacetic acid equivalents bearing a pyridine group undergo C(sp³)–H/C(sp³)–H cross coupling with diverse methylarenes in the presence of a copper based catalyst system. The reaction proceeds via the formation of α-carbonyl radicals giving access to α,β-diarylpropionic acids. Preliminary study suggests that the catalyst system is capable of transforming arylbenzyl ketones into 1,2,3-triaryl ketones.