Abstract A Pd (0)/R 3 Sn) 2 (R Me or n-Bu) catalyst system effects intramolecular aryl-aryl, benzyl-aryl, benzyl-benzyl coupling of aryl and benzyl halides in good yield. Polycyclisations can be achieved by relaying the coupling via an alkene or alkyne “linker”. The methodology is exemplified by a short synthesis of hippadine.