Nickel N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed CC Bond Formation: A New Route to Aryl Ketones

A novel nickel N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of aryl aldehydes with boronic esters for the synthesis of aryl ketones was developed. This reaction provides a mild, practical method toward aryl ketones, which are versatile intermediates and building blocks in organic synthesis.