Modular synthesis of diarylalkanes by Nickel-Catalyzed 1,1-diarylation of unactivated terminal Alkenes

Abstract

A nickel-catalyzed 1,1-diarylation of electronically unbiased alkenes has been developed, providing straightforward access to diarylalkanes from readily available materials. Importantly, both the efficiency and the regioselectivity of this transformation are ensured by reaction conditions, rather than the coordinating group of substrates. We also demonstrate that under balloon pressure, ethylene and propylene can also be utilized as substrates. Preliminary mechanistic experiments suggest that this transformation involves a Ni(0)/Ni(II) catalytic cycle rather than a Ni(I)/Ni(III) cycle.