Interception of Nickel Hydride Species and Its Application in Multicomponent Reactions

Abstract

The hydrogen borrowing strategy is an economical method for the α-functionalization of ketones. While this strategy is extremely advantageous, it does not lend itself to the synthesis of β,β-disubstituted ketones. This can be achieved, if the in situ generated metal hydride can be intercepted with a nucleophilic coupling partner. We present a multicomponent strategy for the coupling of alcohols, ketones, and boronic acids using only 1 mol % nickel catalyst and without the need for added ligands.

Recent progress in metal assisted multicomponent reactions in organic synthesis

“…Methyl-substituted boronic acids reduced the yield after observing the effect of the substrate in boronic acid. Moreover, the coordination of the oxygen and sulfur atoms to the nickel center rendered thiophene and furan entirely inert (Balakrishnan et al, 2022).…”