Patent ID: 8022255

Claim:
Process for preparing ketones of the general formula (III) where R is an optionally substituted carbocyclic aromatic radical having 6 to 24 carbon atoms or an optionally substituted alkyl radical or an optionally substituted heteroaromatic radical having 5 to 24 carbon atoms, and R 1 is an optionally substituted carbocyclic aromatic radical having 6 to 24 carbon atoms or an optionally substituted heteroaromatic radical having 5 to 24 carbon atoms, by reacting alpha-oxo carboxylates of the general formula (I) wherein n and m is a number in the range from 1 to 6, M (m+) is a cation, and R has the meaning indicated for formula (III), with aryl bromides of the general formula (II) R 1 —Br (II) where R 1 has the meaning indicated for formula (III), in the presence of a catalyst system comprising two components wherein each component comprises, independently of one another, at least one metal or metal compound.