Aromatic C–H Borylation by Nickel Catalysis

Abstract The first nickel-catalyzed aromatic C–H borylation is described. In the presence of catalytic amounts of [Ni(cod)2], tricyclopentylphosphine, and CsF, benzene and indole derivatives can be borylated with B2pin2. The N-heterocyclic carbene IPr was also found to be an effective ligand. Kinetic isotope effect experiments showed that C–H cleavage is likely involved in the rate-determining step.