Organocatalytic C–H Bond Arylation of Aldehydes to Bis-heteroaryl Ketones

An organocatalytic aldehyde C–H bond arylation process for the synthesis of complex heteroaryl ketones has been developed. By exploiting the inherent electrophilicity of diaryliodonium salts, we have found that a commercial N-heterocyclic carbene catalyst promotes the union of heteroaryl aldehydes and these heteroaromatic electrophile equivalents in good yields. This straightforward catalytic protocol offers access to ketones bearing a diverse...