Nickel-Catalyzed Three-Component Reductive Alkylacylation of Electron-Deficient Activated Alkenes

Herein, we present a nickel-catalyzed three-component reductive alkylacylation of electron-deficient activated alkenes with tertiary alkyl bromides and acid anhydrides. This method enables the efficient preparation of a variety of ketones with broad substrate scope and high functionality tolerance starting from simple precursors. On the basis of the preliminary mechanistic investigations, a catalytic cycle involving the synergistic interaction of nickel, zinc, and MgCl2 is proposed as the major reaction pathway.