4-Alkylbiphenyls are important intermediates for synthesis of liquid crystals. In this paper the cross-coupling reaction of alkyl bromides with the Grignard reagent of p-bromobiphenyl provided a series of 4-alkylbiphenyl class compounds by using cupric chloride as the catalyst for C—C bond formation in yields of about 91%. The structures of these compounds were identified by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR and MS spectra. This synthesis has higher yields, is more environmental-friendly, and costs less than comparable traditional ways.

Key words: Grignard reagent cross-coupling reaction, cupric chloride catalyst, 4-alkylbiphenyl, liquid crystal intermediate