A New Iron-Catalyzed Aluminum Variant of the Negishi Coupling

Significance

Herein, the first example of an iron-catalyzed Negishi-style cross-coupling of arylaluminum reagents and alkyl bromides is described. The highest conversions are obtained when FeCl₂(dppbz)₂ is used as catalyst. To obtain the arylaluminum compounds, the transmetalation of arylmagnesium species with AlCl₃ is the best route. The presence of magnesium salts in the ­reaction mixture is crucial for the success of this reaction, as salt-free triarylaluminum reagents do not react well under these conditions.