Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Dimerization of Alkyl Halides

Significance

This work reports the first direct ­reductive dimerization of alkyl halides, alkyl mesylates, alkyl trifluoroacetates, and allylic acetates. The reaction requires only low loads of the nickel catalyst (0.5-5 mol%). For alkyl chlorides and alkyl mesylates, the addition of sodium iodide (50 mol%) greatly improves conversion rate and yield.