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Simple rhodium–chlorophosphine pre-catalysts for the ortho-arylation of phenols

Rhodium catalysed ortho-arylation of phenols has proved a useful and selective methodology for the production of functionalised biaryls. Initially however, use of non-commercially available phosphinite co-catalysts for this reaction presented problems with cross-contamination. In collaboration with colleagues at the University of Bristol, we report the use of a rhodium system with commercially available chlorophosphines as pre-catalysts, which solved the issues discussed above without loss of catalytic activity. Our result leads to a significantly simplified procedure and has increased the attractiveness of the catalytic ortho-arylation of phenols for the synthesis of biaryls used as anti-inflammatories, antibacterials, antitumor agents and liquid crystals.