Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Aryl Bromides with Tertiary Alkyl Halides

A mild Ni-catalyzed reductive arylation of tertiary alkyl halides with aryl bromides has been developed that delivers products bearing all-carbon quaternary centers in moderate to excellent yields with excellent functional group tolerance. Electron-deficient arenes are generally more effective in inhibiting alkyl isomerization. The reactions proceed successfully with pyridine or 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine, while imidazolium salts slightly enhance the coupling efficiency.