Ni-Catalyzed α-arylation of esters and amides with phenol derivatives

A nickel-catalyzed alpha-arylation of esters and amides with phenol derivatives has been accomplished. In the presence of our unique nickel catalyst, prepared in situ from Ni(cod)(2), 3,4-bis(dicyclohexyl-phosphino) thiophene (dcypt), and K3PO4, various esters and amides undergo alpha-arylation with O-arylpivalates or O-arylcarbamates to afford the corresponding coupling products. The thus obtained alpha-aryl esters and amides are useful precursors of privileged motifs such as alpha-arylcarboxylic acids and beta-arylamines.