Highly efficient nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling of succinic and glutaric anhydrides with organozinc reagents

A nickel-catalyzed alkylation of succinic and glutaric anhydrides with alkyl- and arylzinc reagents has been developed. A dramatic olefin effect has been investigated resulting in the identification of several styrene-based promoters which show pronounced enhancements in reaction rate. The substrate scope with respect to electrophilic and nucleophilic coupling partners has been examined and found to be remarkably broad, allowing for rapid introduction of molecular complexity through the use of functionalized coupling partners. Regioselective alkylation of an unsymmetrical succinic anhydride and a profound effect of pendent coordinating olefins on reaction rate suggest a mechanism involving discrete oxidative addition of the nickel complex into the cyclic anhydride followed by a transmetalation event.