Nickel-catalyzed dual C(sp2)–H activation of arenes: a new route to diaryl ethers

Abstract

Diaryl ethers are synthesized directly from simple arenes for the first time through dual C(sp²)–H activation with the aid of a bidentate auxiliary by nickel catalysis. The anion of the additive is crucial to the transformation, and the control experiments reveal that the acyloxylated benzamide is the key intermediate.