Kumada Coupling of Aryl, Heteroaryl, and Vinyl Chlorides Catalyzed by Amido Pincer Nickel Complexes

A series of amido pincer complexes of nickel were examined for their catalysis in the Kumada cross-coupling reaction. The P,N,O-pincer nickel complexes tested are active catalysts for the cross-coupling of aryl, heteroaryl, and vinyl chlorides with aryl Grignard reagents. The reactions can proceed at room temperature and tolerate functional groups in aryl chlorides with the aid of LiCl and ZnCl2 additives.