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

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 re-view, 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 Introduction2 C-H Addition to Alkynes via C-H Activation3 C-H Alkylation via Ni/Al Bimetallic Catalysis3.1 Racemic Hydroarylation with Alkenes3.2 Asymmetric Hydroarylation with Alkenes4 Conclusion and Outlook