Sustainable Access to π-Conjugated Molecular Materials via Direct (Hetero)Arylation Reactions in Water and under Air
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Updated: Dec 11, 2025
A Microwave-Assisted Direct Heteroarylation of Ketones Using Transition Metal Catalysis
Published on: February 16, 2020
Adiel Mauro Calascibetta1, Sara Mattiello2, Alessandro Sanzone1
1Department of Materials Science, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via R. Cozzi, 55, I-20125 Milano, Italy.
Abstract:
Direct (hetero)arylation (DHA) is playing a key role in improving the efficiency and atom economy of C-C cross coupling reactions, so has impacts in pharmaceutical and materials chemistry. Current research focuses on further improving the generality, efficiency and selectivity of the method through careful tuning of the reaction conditions and the catalytic system. Comparatively fewer studies are dedicated to the replacement of the high-boiling-point organic solvents dominating the field and affecting the overall sustainability of the method. We show herein that the use of a 9:1 v/v emulsion of an aqueous Kolliphor 2 wt% solution while having toluene as the reaction medium enables the preparation of relevant examples of thiophene-containing π-conjugated building blocks in high yield and purity.
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