Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

Utilization of Stop-flow Micro-tubing Reactors for the Development of Organic Transformations
Published on: January 4, 2018
Transmetalation in the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling: the fork in the trail
Alastair J J Lennox1, Guy C Lloyd-Jones
1School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK.
Abstract:
The Suzuki-Miyaura coupling is one of the few transition-metal-catalyzed C-C bond-forming reactions that have been used in applications ranging from discovery chemistry to manufacturing processes. Although coupling proceeds through the generic three-stage 'oxidative addition, transmetalation, reductive elimination' sequence, there are a number of features that differentiate the Suzuki-Miyaura process from other transition-metal-catalyzed cross-couplings. Most of these features are centered around, or are a consequence of, activation of the boron reagent for transmetalation through one or both of two distinct pathways. This review focuses on the evidence that has been presented for this 'fork in the trail', and the potential to apply such mechanistic insight to the design of reaction conditions.
Related Concept Videos
Spin–Spin Coupling: Three-Bond Coupling (Vicinal Coupling)
The extent of coupling depends on the C‑C bond length, the two H‑C‑C angles, any electron-withdrawing substituents, and the dihedral angle between the involved orbitals. The...
Spin–Spin Coupling: Two-Bond Coupling (Geminal Coupling)
The central atom need not be NMR-active because its electrons are affected by the electron polarization of the spin-active atoms. However, spin information is transmitted less effectively than in one-bond coupling, and 2J values are usually weaker than 1J values. The energy of...
Spin–Spin Coupling: One-Bond Coupling
Metal-Semiconductor Junctions
Schottky Barriers
Schottky barriers arise when a metal with a work function (Φm) contacts a semiconductor with a different work function (Φs). Initially, electrons transfer until the Fermi levels of the metal and semiconductor align at equilibrium. For instance, if Φm > Φs, the semiconductor Fermi level is higher than the metal's before contact. The semiconductor's...
Biasing of Metal-Semiconductor Junctions
In Schottky junctions, where the semiconductor is n-type, applying a positive voltage to the metal relative to the semiconductor reduces its Fermi...
Metal-Ligand Bonds
In these complexes, transition metals form coordinate covalent bonds, a kind of Lewis acid-base interaction in which both of the electrons in the bond are contributed by a donor (Lewis base) to an electron acceptor (Lewis acid). The Lewis acid in...
![Mizoroki-Heck Cross-coupling Reactions Catalyzed by Dichloro{bis[1,1',1''-(phosphinetriyl)tripiperidine]}palladium Under Mild Reaction Conditions](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F51444.jpg&w=3840&q=50)