Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of N-aryl amine compounds. The process of the present invention involves reacting a compound having an amino group with an arylating compound in the presence of a base and a transition metal catalyst under reaction conditions effective to form an N-aryl amine compound, the transition metal catalyst comprising a Group 8 metal and at least one chelating ligand selected from the group consisting of bisphosphines having at least one stearically hindered alkyl substituent. The formed products are valuable intermediates in the pharmaceutical and polymer fields.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing alpha-arylated carbonyl-containing compounds, comprising the steps of reacting a compound having at least one carbonyl group with an arylating compound in the presence of a base and a transition metal catalyst under reaction conditions effective to form an alpha-arylated carbonyl-containing compound, the transition metal catalyst comprising a Group 8 metal and at least one chelating ligand selected from the group consisting of unsaturated Group 15 heterocycles, Group 15-substituted metallocenes, Group 15-substituted alkanes, Group 15-substituted arylenes, and combinations thereof. The process of the present invention simplifies the preparation of commercially significant organic alpha-aryl carbonyl-containing compounds, particularly for use in the pharmaceutical and polymer industries.