C–H Functionalization of Arenes via NHC-Supported Ni/Al Bimetallic Catalysis

Abstract

Abstract Despite the C–H functionalization of arenes offering an efficient synthetic route towards functionalized aromatic compounds with high atom- and step-economy, the low reactivity of the C–H bond makes this transformation rather challenging. Compared with mono-metal catalysis, the introduction of bimetallic catalysis would greatly enhance the reactivity and selectivity of this transformation. In this review, we highlight recent progress in the C–H functionalization of arenes via NHC-Ni/Al catalysis. The added aluminum as a co-catalyst would activate arene through Lewis acid-base interaction, and regioselectivity could be controlled through the synergism of NHC-Ni and Al. This strategy could be also applied in enantioselective C–H alkylation with well-designed chiral NHC ligands. 1 Introduction 2 C–H Addition to Alkynes via C–H Activation 3 C–H Alkylation via Ni/Al Bimetallic Catalysis 3.1 Racemic Hydroarylation with Alkenes 3.2 Asymmetric Hydroarylation with Alkenes 4 Conclusion and Outlook