Ni(II)/Zn-Mediated chemoselective arylation of aromatic aldehydes: facile synthesis of diaryl carbinols

Direct arylation of aromatic aldehydes with aryl bromides in the presence of Ni(II)/Zn was investigated. The choice of ligand in this nickel-catalyzed coupling was critical to the formation of the secondary alcohols. Monodentate phosphine ligands were ineffective, whereas NiBr(2)(dppe)/Zn successfully catalyzed this reductive coupling reaction. The reaction conditions were mild and diarylcarbinols with a variety of functional groups such as ketone, ester, amide, and nitrile groups were readily prepared.