Iron-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Alkynyl and Styrenyl Chlorides with Alkyl Grignard Reagents in Batch and Flow

Transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling chemistry can be regarded as one of the most powerful protocols to construct carbon-carbon bonds. While the field is still dominated by palladium catalysis, there is an increasing interest to develop protocols that utilize cheaper and more sustainable metal sources. Herein, we report a selective, practical, and fast iron-based cross-coupling reaction that enables the formation of Csp-Csp3 and Csp2 -Csp3 bonds. In a telescoped flow process, the reaction can be combined with the Grignard reagent synthesis. Moreover, flow allows the use of a supporting ligand to be avoided without eroding the reaction selectivity.