Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Couplings of Benzylic Pivalates with Arylboroxines: Stereospecific Formation of Diarylalkanes and Triarylmethanes

We have developed a stereospecific nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling of benzylic pivalates with arylboroxines. The success of this reaction relies on the use of Ni(cod)(2) as the catalyst and NaOMe as a uniquely effective base. This reaction has broad scope with respect to the arylboroxine and benzylic pivalate, enabling the synthesis of a variety of diarylalkanes and triarylmethanes in good to excellent yields and ee's.