Nickel(0)-catalyzed Heck cross-coupling via activation of aryl C-OPiv bonds.

Using a Ni(dppf) catalyst generated in situ, Heck cross-coupling of aryl pivalates with a variety of olefin partners has been accomplished. This method represents one of the first examples of a C-C cross-coupling via activation of a strong C-O bond with a nonorganometallic coupling partner. It enables the transformation of phenol-based substrates into styrenyl products without generation of a halogenated byproduct or the use of expensive triflate groups.