Redox-Neutral Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions of (Homo)allylic Alcohols and Aryltriflates

Herein, we report a redox-neutral Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of two readily available precursors to produce the corresponding ketones that are an important structural motif in numerous biologically active entities. By the use of a commercially available nickel/Triphos catalytic system, a range of easily accessible alkenyl primary alcohols and aryltriflates can be converted in a rapidly assembled fashion to valuable ketones with good yields and wide functional group tolerance. We also demonstrate the utility of this transformation by late-stage functionalization of a large set of complex molecules with good efficiency, which offers a distinct entry to more functionalized aromatic ketones.

Automated summary

The study introduces a redox-neutral Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction that converts two readily available precursors into ketones, which are important structural motifs in various biologically active compounds. By using a commercially available nickel/Triphos catalytic system, a wide range of easily accessible alkenyl primary alcohols and aryltriflates can be efficiently converted into ketones with good yields and functional group tolerance. This transformation also demonstrates its utility in late-stage functionalization of a large set of complex molecules to access more functionalized aromatic ketones.