Copper-assisted palladium(II)-catalyzed direct arylation of cyclic enaminones with arylboronic acids.

Described herein is a palladium(II)-catalyzed direct arylation of cyclic enaminones with arylboronic acids. The versatility of this method is that both electron-rich and electron-poor boronic acids can be coupled in high yields. A mixture of two Cu(II) additives was crucial for efficient cross-coupling. The role of each Cu(II) reagent appears to be distinct and complementary serving to assist catalyst reoxidation and transmetalation through a putative arylcopper intermediate.