Ni-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Aryl Pivalates with Arylboronic Acids

Significance

This is the first example of a cross-coupling reaction of O-acylated phenols. Such compounds are stable, easy to prepare and allow performing a variety of other transformations on the aryl ring (like, for example, a halogenation). This cross-coupling reaction utilizes an inexpensive, readily available nickel(II) catalyst and does not require special precautions like exclusion of air. At least some vinyl pivalates can be coupled equally well under the described conditions. Use of halogenated pivalates allows sequential cross-couplings, giving polyarylated products.