In cross-coupling reactions, the component reagents are called cross-coupling partners or simply coupling partners. These reagents can be further classified according to their nucleophilic vs electrophilic character:
- R-X R'-Y → R-R' XY
Typically the electrophilic coupling partner (R-X) is an aryl halide, but triflates are also used. Nucleophilic coupling (R'-Y) partners are more diverse. In the Suzuki reaction, boronic esters and boronic acids serve as nucleophilic coupling partners. Expanding the scope of coupling partners is a focus methods development in organic synthesis.
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