Process for preparing substituted benzyl compounds and toluene derivatives

摘要

The novel two-stage process described here makes it possible to obtain substituted benzyl compounds and toluene derivatives in a simple manner and in high yields by means of Suzuki-type coupling reactions of an aromatic with an organoboron compound, followed by a reduction. The process is particularly useful for preparing ortho-substituted benzyl compounds and toluene derivatives. The process can be applied to both intermolecular and intramolecular coupling reactions. Catalysts used for the coupling reaction are palladium compounds and/or nickel compounds. An advantageous aspect is that only very small amounts of catalyst are required.