The use of well-defined (N-heterocyclic carbene)-Ag(I) complexes for the A(3) reaction allows for the coupling of unactivated aldehydes at room temperature and very short reaction times.

The use of microwave heating for the synthesis of (N-heterocyclic carbene)-bearing complexes of Cu, Ag and Au allows for a drastic reduction of the reaction times required by con-

The use of commercially available (SIPr)Pd(cinnamyl)Cl (SIPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene) as a precatalyst for the anaerobic oxidation of secondary alcohols is described. The use of this complex allows for a drastic reduction in the reaction times and catalyst loading when compared to the unsaturated counterpart. This catalytic system is compatible with the use of microwave dielectric heating, decreasing even further catalyst loading and reaction times. Domino Pd-catalyzed oxidation-arylation reactions of secondary alcohols are also presented.

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A general method for the A3 coupling of unactivated alkyl and aryl aldehydes in open air, in technical grade MeOH, and without any purification of the coupling partners is described with in very short reaction times.