Cross-Coupling Biarylation of Nitroaryl Chlorides Through High Speed Ball Milling.

Solvent-free reaction using a high-speed ball milling technique has been applied to the classical Ullmann coupling reaction. Cross-coupling biarylation of several nitroaryl chlorides was achieved in good yields when performed in custom-made copper vials through continuous shaking without additional copper or solvent. Cross-coupling products were obtained almost pure and NMR-ready. These reactions were cleaner than solution phase coupling which require longer reaction time in high boiling solvents, and added catalysts as well as lengthy extraction and purification steps. Gram quantities of cross biaryl compounds have been synthesized with larger copper vials, a proof that this method can be used to reduce industrial waste and for sustainability.