Mizoroki–Heck Reactions Catalysed by (N-Heterocyclic carbene)PdCl2(Et3N) Complexes

Abstract Complexes of general formula (NHC)PdCl2(Et3N) were used as pre-catalysts in Mirozoki–Heck couplings of activated aryl chlorides and deactivated aryl bromides as electrophiles, without the need of an inert atmosphere and in relatively short reaction times. The protocol was extended to the use of microwave heating, reducing further the reaction times with no detriment in the yields of the desired products.