Abstract
The present invention relates to copper complexes of vinylic phosphines substituted with unsatd. cyclic compds., i.e., phosphines I (Ra and Rb, same or different, representing various radicals such as alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, monoalkylamino, etc.; R1-R3, same or different represent H, hydrocarbyl, aryl, heteroaryl; cycle Y represents various mono- bi- and tricycles with/without heteroatoms), and their use as coupling reaction catalysts in the formation of C-C and C-heteroatom bonds. Claimed are copper dimer complex [PyCH:CHPPh2]2Cu2I2 (Py = 2-pyridyl), and isomers of monomer [PyCH:CHPPh2]2CuI. The copper phosphine complexes may also be generated in situ for use as catalysts. The catalysts effect coupling at relatively moderate temps., allow coupling of a variety of nucleophilic groups, and copper is less toxic and more economical than related palladium or nickel catalysts.