Organozinc-mediated direct cross-coupling under microwave irradiation

We report a direct cross-coupling reaction between (het)aryl pivalates/tosylates and di(het)arylzinc species in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran/ N-methyl pyrrolidone (1:1), which occurs via C–O bond cleavage under microwave irradiation. The reaction takes place smoothly in short reaction times without the addition of any catalyst or ligand. The reaction is suitable for a broad scope of substrates and exhibits good functional group compatibility, utilizes a simple work-up procedure, and gives the desired products in high purity.