Nickel-catalyzed carbonylative Negishi cross-coupling reactions

Catalytic carbonylative Negishi cross-coupling reactions are described. This method readily provides various enones from enol triflates and diorganozinc reagents with catalytic amounts of nickel(II) chloride-4,4′-dimethoxyl-2,2′-bipyridyl under carbon monoxide atmosphere. The rate of carbon monoxide insertion is increased by the addition of lithium or magnesium halides and the use of polar solvents. Alkenyl iodides can also be used in place of enol triflates.