Dual photoredox/nickel-catalyzed Mizoroki–Heck cross-coupling reactions

Abstract

A method for the Mizoroki–Heck reaction of electron-deficient olefins acrylates with commercially available aryl bromides to obtain α-arylation products of acrylates via dual light/nickel catalytic system is described. This transformation features a broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and compatibility with heterocyclic substrates. Mechanistic studies clearly reveal the initial in situ generation of bromine radicals directly from the aryl bromine precursor under cooperative nickel/photoredox catalysis. Subsequent HBr elimination provides α-arylation products of alkenes.