Pd-Catalyzed α-Arylation of Zinc Amide Enolates

Significance

This article describes a simple method for the preparation of α-substituted aryl­acetic acid derivatives from the corresponding aryl bromides. The use of zinc enolates provides a good compatibility with functional groups as well as mild conditions for the cross-coupling reaction. A broad scope of substrates can be involved in the reaction, including sterically hindered arenes and heterocycles. The applied ligands are commercially available, and the reaction protocol is quite easy to perform.