Synthesis of xylyl-linked bis-benzimidazolium salts and their application in the palladium-catalyzed suzuki–miyaura cross-coupling reaction of aryl chlorides

Abstract

A new series of xylyl-linked bis-benzimidazolium salts were efficiently prepared using a simple preparation method from bis-benzimidazolium precursors featuring highly tunable linkers and wingtips. A highly efficient Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction of aryl chlorides within the range of 0.5–2.0 mol% Pd-catalyst loading was observed. Also, di-ortho-substituted biaryl synthesis was achieved.