Direct C-H Arylation of (Hetero)arenes with Aryl Iodides via Rhodium Catalysis

Significance

While cross-coupling reactions are the most widely used for the synthesis of biaryls, direct C-H activation, extensively studied in recent years, is a synthetically highly attractive method, as no separate preactivation of coupling components is required. The important feature of this method is the use of the Rh catalyst, exceptionally stable to air and moisture. A wide range of electron-rich heterocycles can be used in this procedure with good results. The reaction can be performed more conveniently in a microwave oven than with conventional heating.