Asymmetric intramolecular arylcyanation of unactivated Olefins via C-CN bond activation

The enantioselective, intramolecular arylcyanation of unactivated olefins via C-CN bond activation has been accomplished using a Ni (0) catalyst and BPh3 co-catalyst. High enantioselectivities are achieved using TangPHOS as a chiral ligand. This method allows the generation of two new C-C bonds and one new quaternary carbon stereogenic center in a single synthetic step, converting readily available benzonitrile substrates into 1,1-disubstituted indanes in 49-85% yield and 92-97% ee.