Direct Synthesis of Mono-alpha-arylated Ketones from Alcohols and Olefins via Ni-Catalyzed Oxidative Cross-Coupling

Controlled synthesis of alpha-monoarylated ketones is significant yet challenging due to the site-selectivity issues and nonproductive overarylation reactions. Herein, we reported the direct synthesis of alpha-arylated ketones enabled by Ni-catalyzed dehydrogenative cross-coupling reaction cascade between alcohols and olefins. The use of readily available and cost-effective alcohols and olefins provides a straightforward access to monoarylated ketones in good yields with exclusive selectivity without using any advanced synthetic intermediates.