Convenient processes for the synthesis of aromatic ketones from aryl bromides and carboxylic anhydrides using a cobalt catalysis

The cross-coupling of various para- and meta-substituted aromatic bromides, mostly bearing sensitive moieties, with several carboxylic acid anhydrides is reported. This reaction can be carried out in two steps, by forming an aromatic organozinc reagent via cobalt catalysis in the first step, or even more interestingly in a single step, also by using a cobalt-based catalyst. The aromatic ketones are obtained by these new, mild, and convenient methods in 30-79% yields versus starting aryl bromide. Results are also disclosed that suggest the role played by cobalt species in the coupling of organozinc reagents with electrophiles could be similar to those of more commonplace transition metal complexes.