Palladium-Catalyzed alpha-Arylation of Trimethylsilyl Enol Ethers with Aryl Bromides and Chlorides. A Synergistic Effect of Two Metal Fluorides as Additives

The long-sought-after palladium-catalyzed coupling of silyl enol ethers, both cyclic and acyclic, with a wide range of aryl bromides and chlorides to form α-aryl ketones is realized. The key to effective activation of the silicon enolate was the use of two metal fluoride additives, which operate in a synergistic fashion.