Nickel-Catalyzed Arylation/Alkenylation of tert-Cyclobutanols with Aryl/Alkenyl Triflates via a C–C Bond Cleavage

Herein, we first present a nickel-catalyzed arylation and alkenylation of tert-cyclobutanols with aryl/alkenyl triflates via a C–C bond cleavage. An array of γ-substituted ketones was obtained in moderate-to-good yields, thus featuring earth-abundant nickel catalysis, broad substrate scope, and simple reaction conditions. Preliminary mechanistic experiments indicated that β-carbon elimination pathways might be involved in the catalytic cycle.