Redox-Neutral Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions of (Homo)allylic Alcohols and Aryltriflates

Herein, we report a redox-neutral Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of two readily available precursors to produce the corresponding ketones that are an important structural motif in numerous biologically active entities. By the use of a commercially available nickel/Triphos catalytic system, a range of easily accessible alkenyl primary alcohols and aryltriflates can be converted in a rapidly assembled fashion to valuable ketones with good yields and wide functional group tolerance. We also demonstrate the utility of this transformation by late-stage functionalization of a large set of complex molecules with good efficiency, which offers a distinct entry to more functionalized aromatic ketones.