A novel sequential doublecarbonylation to synthesize anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ketoprofen and Suprofen has been developed. Starting from easily available aryl halides and arylboronic acids a one-pot carbonylative Suzuki and hydroxycarbonylation reaction sequence proceeds in good selectivity and high yield in the presence of the palladium/cataCXium® A catalyst system. Applying optimized conditions
Pd(OAc)2/di-1-adamantyl-n-butylphosphine (cataCXium A) is highly active in the three-component Suzuki carbonylation and represents the most general catalyst system reported up to now. A broad range of aryl/heteroarylbromides and aryl boronic acids can be coupled to the corresponding diarylketones at low catalyst loadings.