A Ni-catalyzed carbonylative cross-electrophile coupling of aryl iodides and alkyl bromides has been successfully developed with CO₂ as a CO surrogate. The reaction provides an efficient method for the construction of a wide range of valuable aryl alkyl ketones under mild reaction conditions. Simple operation, high functional group tolerance, and wide substrate scope are also features of the protocol.

Abstract

A nickel-catalyzed carbonylative cross-electrophile coupling of aryl iodides and alkyl bromides has been successfully developed with carbon dioxide as a carbon monoxide surrogate via a one-pot, two-step procedure. The reaction provides an efficient and complementary method for the synthesis of a wide range of valuable aryl alkyl ketones under mild reaction conditions. Simple operation, high functional group tolerance, and wide substrate scope are also features of the protocol. Moreover, the method can be used for late-stage modification of bioactive complex molecules. Preliminary investigation of the mechanism of the reductive cross-electrophile carbonylation reaction showed that the reaction proceeds through a radical pathway.