Nickel-Catalyzed Cross Couplings of Benzylic Pivalates with Arylboroxines: Stereospecific Formation of Diarylalkanes and Triarylmethanes

摘要

We have developed a stereospecific, nickel-catalyzed cross coupling of benzylic pivalates with aryl boroxines. The success of this reaction relies on the use of Ni(cod)2 as catalyst and NaOMe as a uniquely effective base. This reaction has broad scope with respect to the aryl boroxine and benzylic pivalate, enabling the synthesis of a variety of diarylalkanes and triarylmethanes in good to excellent yields and ee's.