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-tort-butperoxide 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.