Diastereodivergent [4 + 2] annulation of biphenylenes with enones via nickel(0)-catalyzed C C bond activation

Ni(0)-catalyzed regio- and diastereodivergent [4 + 2] annulation of biphenylenes with α,β unsaturated ketones is described. This solvent-controlled diastereodivergent reaction integrates C C bond cleavage of biphenylene and C=C double bond insertion selectivity, offering a mild approach to all possible diastereoisomers of 9,10-dihydrophenanthrene derivatives from the same starting materials. Ni(cod) 2 (0)-catalyzed [4 + 2] annulation of biphenylenes with enones via C C activation has been realized, providing an efficient and general synthesis route for trans or cis diastereoisomers of 9,10-dihydrophenanthrene derivatives.