To a solution of 2,6-dichloro-4-bromobenzoic acid methyl ester (0.55 g) in THF (10 mL) was added benzeneboronic acid (1.30 g), Pd(PPh3)4 (0.16 g) and 2M Na2CO3 (5 mL). The mixture was refluxed for 4 h under N2. After cooling, the mixture was diluted with EtOAc and washed with water and brine. The organic layer was dried (Na2SO4), filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by preparative TLC (silica gel; eluent: hexane to EtOAc/hexane 1/1) to yield crude 2,6-dichloro-4-phenylbenzoic acid methyl ester (0.57 g). ESMS: m/z 281 (MH+).
