Suzuki C–C cross-coupling of aryl halides with aryl boronic acids using new phosphene-free palladium complexes as precatalysts was investigated. A pyridine-based Pd(II)-complex was used in open air under thermal as well as micro‑ wave irradiation conditions using water as an eco-friendly green solvent. | Novel pyridine-based Pd II -complex for efficient Suzuki coupling of aryl halides under microwaves irradiation in water