Abstract
A catalyst system derived from commercially available Pd(2)(dba)(3) and P(t)Bu(3) has been applied to the coupling of α-keto ester enolates and aryl bromides. The reaction provides access to an array of β-stereogenic α-keto esters. When the air-stable ligand precursor P(t)Bu(3)·HBF(4) is employed, the reaction can be carried out without use of a glovebox. The derived products are of broad interest given the prevalence of the α-keto acid substructure in biologically important molecules.