Nickel Catalyzed Selective Arylation of Geminal Dinitriles: Direct Access to α-Cyano Carbonyl Compounds.

The catalytic intermolecular arylation of disubstituted geminal dinitriles with in situ generated arylnickel complexes is disclosed. This method efficiently provides various all-carbon substituted α-cyanocarbonyl compounds without additives and an inert atmosphere. It also demonstrates the arylation of R -BINOL and S -BINOL derived geminal dinitriles, preserving optical purity. Mechanistic studies proved that the in situ generated organonickel complex is involved in arylation.