Symmetrical biaryl synthesis via rhodium catalyzed dimerization of aryl mercuric salts

摘要

Vinyl- and arylmercuric halide salts undergo reaction with rhodium (I) and (III) catalysts, preferably in the presence of lithium chloride to provide essentially quantitative yields of the corresponding 1,3 dienes and biaryls respectively. Importantly, the reaction is stereospecific and is especially valuable for synthesis of symmetrical functionally substituted dienes, biaryls and polyenes.