Simultaneous exploration of TBAF·3H 2 O as a base as well as a solvating agent for the palladium catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling of 4-methyl-7-nonafluorobutylsulfonyloxy coumarins under microwave irradiation

•An efficient protocol for the palladium catalyzed Suzuki coupling of 4-methyl-7-nonafluorobutylsulfonyloxy coumarins has been achieved.•The dual role of TBAF·3H2O as a base and a solvating was found to be instrumental for the success of the reaction.•An assortment of 4-methyl-7-aryl coumarins were successfully synthesized using the optimized conditions.