ASC-RT | Combined Raman and Microwave System: Monitoring a Suzuki Cross Coupling Reaction

Palladium catalyzed cross coupling reactions are powerful synthetic tools to form C-C single bonds. Their importance in chemistry has been recognized worldwide with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry of 2010. One of the most versatile cross coupling reactions is the Suzuki cross coupling where organoboron compounds react with aryl halides. The reaction is tolerant towards a broad range of functional groups, can be conducted under mild conditions and in aqueous media. Furthermore, the organoboron compounds exhibit a low toxicity and the products and by-products of the reaction are easy to handle. Using microwave heating, the reaction time can be sped up to minutes or seconds.Therefore, reaction monitoring needs to be in situ using fast and nondestructive methods. Raman spectroscopy is ideally suited for this purpose since it can be conducted through the vessel without direct contact to the sample. With Anton Paar’s combination of a Cora 5001 Raman spectrometer and a Monowave 400R microwave reactor Suzuki cross couplings using a number of starting materials can be monitored. Determination of reaction rates or minimum reaction times and identification of intermediates are easily possible so that reaction parameter optimization becomes a hassle-free task.