Catalytic C-C Bond Formation Using a Simple Nickel Precatalyst System: Base- and Activator-Free Direct C-Allylation by Alcohols and Amines

A totally catalytic nickel(0)-mediated method for base-free direct alkylation of allyl alcohols and allyl amines is reported. The reaction is selective for monoallylation, uses an inexpensive Ni-II precatalyst system, and requires no activating reagents to be present.