Selective Hydrogenolysis of Arenols with Hydrosilanes by Nickel Catalysis

Nickel-catalyzed hydrogenolysis of arenols has been developed through the use of hydrosilane as a reductant. Sterically demanding N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands are crucial for the reaction. The present protocol allows selective cleavage of Ar-O bonds of arenols over aryl and benzyl ethers.