Firstly, the reaction needed to be more robust. Occasionally the rate decelerated, and then the reaction stalled. Secondly, cesium carbonate is moderately expensive and its high molecular weight results in large quantities consumed. Lastly, palladium pricing is quite high (up to $100,000/kg) so reduction of the original 10 mol% Pd(OAc)2 loading is essential. The Pd(OH)2/C deprotection was eliminated by using the Boc-protected piperazine MR84907 which was easily deprotected with HCl.