Heck Reaction Catalyzed by Palladacycle in Neat Water^†

Cyclopalladated ferrocenylimine has been found to be a type of excellent phosphine-free catalyst for Heck reactions in neat water with both higher yields and turnover numbers than those reported in the literature up to now. Some commercial emulsifying agents, including the commonly used quaternary ammonium salts, have been proved to be excellent additives in the catalysis of the reactions. Not only aromatic iodide, but also aromatic bromide could be coupled with the olefins. All reactions were able to be conducted in air under refluxing condition.