The synthesis of R-aryl ketones has received much attention over the past two decades. 1 A number of stoichiometric arylating reagents have been successfully developed for this purpose; however, their utility is decreased because each synthesis of an R-aryl ketone requires the synthesis of a different arylating reagent. 2, 3 In contrast, the direct coupling of aryl halides with ketones would provide a convenient method for the synthesis of R-aryl ...
