Iron-catalyzed C(sp²)-C(sp³) cross-coupling of aryl chlorobenzoates with alkyl grignard reagents

Aryl benzoates are compounds of high importance in organic synthesis. Herein, we report the iron-catalyzed C(sp²)-C(sp³) Kumada cross-coupling of aryl chlorobenzoates with alkyl Grignard reagents. The method is characterized by the use of environmentally benign and sustainable iron salts for cross-coupling in the catalytic system, employing benign urea ligands in the place of reprotoxic NMP (NMP = N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone). It is notable that high selectivity for the cross-coupling is achieved in the presence of hydrolytically-labile and prone to nucleophilic addition phenolic ester C(acyl)-O bonds. The reaction provides access to alkyl-functionalized aryl benzoates. The examination of various O-coordinating ligands demonstrates the high activity of urea ligands in promoting the cross-coupling versus nucleophilic addition to the ester C(acyl)-O bond. The method showcases the functional group tolerance of iron-catalyzed Kumada cross-couplings.