Hyama cross-coupling of aryl mesylates

A recent paper by Kwong et al (Org Lett, 2008, 11 (2), 317) describes the use of aryl mesylates as the electrophile in the Hyama cross coupling.  This provides an interesting alternative to the more traditional use of aryl halide or triflate.  It has been recognised for some time that the ligand is important in the process and this group identified the indolylphosphine as the preferred ligand with mesylates.

The paper contains over 20 examples with yields in the range 50-92%.  An example is shown below where 61% yield was achieved.