Sulfur-containing palladacycles: Efficient phosphine-free catalyst precursors for the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction at room temperature

Cyclopalladated compounds derived from the ortho-metalation of benzylic ter t-butyl thioethers are excellent catalyst precursors for the Suzuki cross-c oupling reaction of aryl bromides and chlorides with phenylboronic acid und er mild reaction conditions. A broad range of substrates and functional gro ups are tolerated in this protocol, and highly catalytic activity is attain ed.