Integrating aryl chlorides into nickel-catalyzed 1,1-difunctionalization of alkenes

Difunctionalization of alkenes have developed into an important type of reactions for rapidly and efficiently assemble complex molecules. While extensive advancements have been achieved by the assistance of transition metal catalysis, the employment of cheap, abundant aryl chlorides as coupling partner is still a challenging task in this field. Herein, we report our first achievement in 1,1-difunctionalization of alkenes with aryl chlorides as coupling partners. The success is predominantly ascribed to the judicious selection of 1,2-diamine ligand. This study provides an efficient protocol for the synthesis of secondary benzyl boronates from easily accessible feedstock chemicals. Furthermore, the distinguished features of this method include excellent 1,1-regio- and chemoselectivity, good functional group tolerance and easily-operational catalytic reaction conditions.