Synthesis of 9-Fluorenylidenes via Pd-Catalyzed C-H Vinylation with Vinyl Bromides.

A facile and efficient approach for the synthesis of 9-fluorenylidenes has been developed via the palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of 2-iodobiphenyls and vinyl bromides. The reaction involves the C-H activation of 2-iodobiphenyls and dual C-C bond formations. A range of 9-fluorenylidene derivatives, including diphenyldibenzofulvenes, can be synthesized with the reaction.