An efficient Negishi cross-coupling reaction catalyzed by nickel(II) and diethyl phosphite

A combination of diethyl phosphite-DMAP and Ni(II) salts forms a very effective catalytic system for the cross-coupling reactions of arylzinc halides with aryl, heteroaryl, and alkenyl bromides, chlorides, triflates, and nonaflates. The choice of solvent is quite important and the mixture of THF-N-ethylpyrrolidinone (NEP) (8:1) was found to be optimal. The reaction usually requires only 0.05 mol % of NiCl₂ or Ni(acac)₂ as catalyst and proceeds at room temperature within 1-48 h.