Chelation-Assisted Nickel-Catalyzed Oxidative Annulation via Double C-H Activation/Alkyne Insertion Reaction

A nickel/NHC system for regioselective oxidative annulation by double C-H bond activation and concomitant alkyne insertion is described. The catalytic reaction requires a bidentate directing group, such as an 8-aminoquinoline, embedded in the substrate. Various 5,6,7,8-tetrasubstituted-N-(quinolin-8-yl)-1-naphthamides can be prepared as well as phenanthrene and benzo[h]quinoline amide derivatives. Diarylalkynes, dialkylalkynes, and arylalkylalkynes can be used in the system. A Ni-0/Ni-II catalytic cycle is proposed as the main catalytic cycle. The alkyne plays a double role as a two-component coupling partner and as a hydrogen acceptor.