Cross-coupling reactions reactivity mechanism

Many arylations are assisted by functional groups that promote ortho-metallation. Thus, for example, acetanihdes react with arylsilanes at the ortho position via pal-ladacycles 78 and 79 to form derivatives 80 (Scheme 11.27) [84]. Mechanistically, this transformation is similar to a cross-coupling reaction, in which the oxidative addition step is replaced by the ortho-metallation, although in this case the Pd(0) intermediate must be oxidized in situ to generate the reactive Pd(ll) species. Unsubstituted benzylamines and N-methylbenzylamine are ortho-arylated with Pd(OAc)2 in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and silver acetate [85], and a mechanism which differs from the usual Pd(0)/Pd(II) catalytic cycle was suggested for this. Ortho-alkylation was also observed in the palladium-catalyzed... 

The difference in reactivity between the stannane and the silane was also advantageously exploited in a cross-coupling reaction (eq 28). Very good selectivity was obtained and the mechanism was investigated. ... 

The reactivity of A-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) with iron has been presented through the various types of complexes that have been described. Their catalytic applications in cross-coupling, allylation, aziridination, hydrosilylation, and as hydrogenase mimics are detailed. A report on cross-coupling reactions catalysed by complexes of iron group metals with NHC features the reaction mechanisms. ... 

The overall mechanism is closely related to that of the other cross-coupling methods. The aryl halide or triflate reacts with the Pd(0) catalyst by oxidative addition. The organoboron compound serves as the source of the second organic group by transmetala-tion. The disubstituted Pd(II) intermediate then undergoes reductive elimination. It appears that either the oxidative addition or the transmetalation can be rate-determining, depending on reaction conditions.134 With boronic acids as reactants, base catalysis is normally required and is believed to involve the formation of the more reactive boronate anion.135... 

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