t-BuXPhos: a highly efficient ligand for Buchwald-Hartwig coupling in waterElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: 1H and 13C spectra, calculations of the E factors and % atom economy. See DOI: 10.1039/c4gc00853g

An efficient and versatile 'green' catalytic system for the Buchwald-Hartwig cross-coupling reaction in water is reported. In an aqueous micellar medium, the combination of t -BuXPhos with [(cinnamyl)PdCl] 2 showed excellent performance for coupling arylbromides or chlorides with a large set of amines, amides, ureas and carbamates. The method is functional-group tolerant, proceeds smoothly (30 to 50 °C) and provides rapid access to the target compounds in good to excellent isolated yields. When applied to the synthesis of a known NaV1.8 modulator, this method led to a significant improvement of the E-factor in comparison with classical organic synthesis. A highly efficient, eco-friendly N-arylation was disclosed outspreading perspectives in green Buchwald-Hartwig reactions.