Palladium-catalyzed cross-methylation of aryl triflates by intramolecularly stabilized dialkyl-aluminum, -gallium and -indium reagents

Several phenyl and naphthyl triflates undergo catalytic cross-methylation w ith the monomeric and dimeric dimethylaluminum, -gallium and -indium comple xes 1a, 1b, 1c, 3a, 3b and 3c in the presence of either PdCl2(PPh3)(2). Pd( PPh3)(4) or Pd(binap)(OAc)(2). 4-Bromophenyl triflate reacts selectively vi a the triflate function. Structural features of the substrate and the methy lating agent, as well as the nature and quality of the palladium catalyst h ave a considerable influence on the cross-coupling process. (C) 2001 Elsevi er Science B.V. All rights reserved.