Straightforward synthesis of substituted dibenzyl derivatives

The C-C bond formation by homogeneous catalysis is a powerful tool in organic synthesis. The replacement of noble metal by cheaper one for already reported methodologies is of interest for an economical purpose. The attractivity of such replacement is also enhanced if a first raw transition metal is found to be active in several processes. This work demonstrates that a common nickel complex can be used for a two-step cross-coupling procedure, namely a homocoupling reaction of benzyl derivatives and a subsequent Suzuki reaction. These consecutive reactions permit the synthesis of new polyfunctionalized dibenzyl compounds. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.