Four novel hexadentate imidazolium salts were synthesized from hexakis (bromomethyl) benzene and 1-substituted imidazole. The arylation of aldehydes with arylboronic acids was effected conveniently and in high yields by a catalyst system generated in situ from these hexadentate imidazolium salts,[Rh (COD) Cl] 2 and a base.