Ni(II)-Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling of Arenes

A protocol for the synthesis of bibenzyls via nickel acetylacetonate-catalyzed coupling of arenes was devloped using di-tert-butylperoxide as the oxidant with the asistance of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO).The process tolerated to different substrates, among of which, isopropylbenzene provided the most satisfactory yield of bibenzyls in 73% yield.The cross-coupling of arenes with cycloalkanes was also realized under the optimal reaction conditions but accompanied with the self-coupling of substrates.The method could effectively restrain the formation of alcohol, aldehyde, acid.Keywords arene; coupling; di