Nickel-catalyzed reductive 1,1-diarylation of unactivated alkenes with aryl iodides

Abstract

Here we present a nickel-catalyzed reductive 1,1-diarylation reaction of unactivated alkenes with aryl iodides. 2,9-Dibutyl-1,10-phenanthroline was determined to be an optimal ligand for controlling the chemo-/regioselectivity towards 1,1-diarylated products. Aliphatic terminal alkenes bearing, respectively, ester, aryloxy and amino groups at the distal position were found to be competent for the 1,1-diarylation reaction, providing the terminal diarylated esters, ethers and amines in moderate to good yields.