Aryl ether as a Negishi coupling partner: an approach for constructing C-C bonds under mild conditions.

An etheric Negishi coupling: The first cross-coupling reaction between aryl alkyl ethers and dianion-type zincate reagents to afford biaryl compounds through selective cleavage of the etheric C(sp(2))-O bond was developed. Dianion-type zincates showed excellent reactivity toward the aromatic ethers under mild conditions, with good functional group compatibility (see scheme).