Ni(II) source as a pre-catalyst for the cross-coupling of benzylic pivalates with arylboronic acids: facile access to tri- and diarylmethanes

A simple and easily-used Ni-II complex, Ni(PPh3)(2)(1-naphthyl) Cl, was employed as a pre-catalyst in the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of benzylic pivalates with arylboronic acids, affording various tri- or diarylmethanes in good yields under mild conditions. This new protocol provides a cheap, convenient and practical alternative to synthesizing multiaryl methanes.