In Situ Ring‐Closing Strategy for Direct Synthesis of N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Nickel Complexes and Their Application in Coupling of Allylic Alcohols with Aryl Boronic Acids

Abstract

AbstractA in situ ring‐closing strategy was developed for the synthesis of N‐heterocyclic carbene nickel complexes. The process was carried out in air, and did not require solvent purification. The resulting nickel complexes were investigated as catalysts for the coupling of allylic alcohols with aryl boronic acids. A wide range of allylic substrates and aryl acids proved to be applicable to this catalytic system. Control experiments suggest that the Ni(0) may be the true active species in the coupling reactions.magnified image