In this letter we report a simple and efficient way for the direct Suzuki–Miyaura cross- coupling of unprotected 2-hydroxyaryl bromides and of 2-chlorophenol with arylboronic acids using suitable phosphine/Pd (OAc) 2 catalysts systems with moist K3PO4/toluene or moist CsF/dioxane and microwave heating (20min 105° C to 3h 100–120° C) with an internal temperature control providing 2-hydroxybiaryls in yields up to 98%.