Electrochemically Driven Nickel-Catalyzed Synthesis of Aryl Alkyl Ketones by the Cross-Coupling of Carboxylic Esters with Alkylpyridinium Salts

An electrochemical Ni-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling of arylcarboxylic esters with alkylpyridinium salts has been developed. Various aryl alkyl ketones are obtained in good to excellent yields (up to 86% yield). The reaction tolerated a variety of primary alkylpyridinium salts, including substrates with protic functional groups and derivatives of bioactive molecules. This method exhibits several synthetic advantages, including high efficiency (reaction time of 1.5 h), the use of easily available alkylpyridinium salts (dual roles as the alkyl source and electrolyte), a convenient procedure (undivided cell), and a wide substrate scope (47 examples). This route provides a novel and efficient method for the synthesis of aryl ketones.