A series of phosphine oxides has been synthesised by the palladium-catalyse
d Suzuki coupling of arylboronic acids with OPPh2(o-C6H4Br). Oil reduction
with trichlorosilane. functionalised. biphenyl-based phosphine ligands were
obtained in good yields. Our preliminary results indicate these ligands to
be effective for palladium-catalysed C-C coupling reactions including the
formation of their own oxides. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights re
served.