PURPOSE: To produce the subject biphenyl compound without forming isomer by-products by using a relatively inexpensive aromatic bromide capable of ready synthesis as the raw material and carrying out a reaction in the presence of a Pd catalyst and an alkali (alkaline earth) metal salt of formic acid.
CONSTITUTION: A compound of formula I (R is alkyl, alkoxy, NO2, formyl, NH2, carboalkoxy, OH, COOH or halogen; n is 0-2) is reacted at 70-200°C in the presence of (A) a Pd catalyst and (B) an alkali (alkaline earth) metal salt of formic acid to obtain the objective compound of formula II. As the component (A), Pd simple substance, a Pd metal salt, a Pd oxide (e.g. palladium acetate, palladium chloride or palladium oxide), a Pd complex [e.g. Pd(OAc)2(CH3CN)2], etc., are exemplified and the amount thereof used is 0.50-10wt.% based on the compound of formula I. The amount of the component (B) used is preferably 0.50-2 time mole of the compound formula I. The compound of formula II is useful as an intermediate for synthesis of agricultural and medical chemicals, a raw material for polymers, a plasticizer, a preservative, a photographic material, etc.
HASHIMOTO TOSHIAKI
UMETSU TAKASHI
