CONTEXT

The formation of C-N bond is one of the most important reactions in numerous syntheses of pharmaceuticals and agrochemical compounds as well as many commercial dye molecules. The copper catalyzed Ullmann reaction has been the most used method in industry due to the attractive price of copper compared to other noble metals as palladium, ruthenium, etc…

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

The invention concerns a simple and easily available system which is efficient for a wide variety of cross-coupling reactions, said catalytic system being less expensive and less toxic than the catalytic systems known previously. The combined used of iron-and copper-based compounds, as a catalytic system, allows cross-coupling reactions between a compound carrying a leaving group and a nucleophilic compound, without it being necessary to use specific ligands or specific solvents.

Examples: arylation, vinylation alkynylation

According to a preferred embodiment, the process of the invention uses a catalytic system comprising iron , preferably salts of iron (III)like iron (III) chloride, iron (III) acetate and iron (III) acetylacetonate  together with a catalyst selected from Cu(0), CuI, CuO, Cu(acac)2 and their mixtures. The process of the invention is usually carried out in the presence of an organic solvent. It is generally conducted at temperature in the range 25°C to 140°C.

BENEFITS

– Moderate reaction temperature;

– The process of the invention involves a large number of nucleophilic compounds. The iron/copper catalytic system is less toxic and expensive than the palladium or nickel catalytic system.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Chemical and pharmaceuticals synthesis