Nickel‐catalyzed α‐alkylation of ketones with benzyl alcohols

Abstract We reported an efficient method for α‐alkylation of ketones with benzyl alcohols using the pyridine‐bridged pincer‐type N ‐heterocyclic carbenes nickel complexes as catalysts. A wide range of ketones and benzyl alcohols were efficiently converted into various alkylated products in moderate to high yields. In addition, these nickel complexes were also successfully applied for the synthesis of a wide range of quinoline derivatives.