Cooperation of a Nickel–Bipyridine Complex with Light for Benzylic C−H Arylation of Toluene Derivatives

Abstract Benzylic C−H bonds of toluene derivatives are directly arylated with aryl bromides by means of a catalytic system of nickel–bipyridine under irradiation with UV light. The catalyst system is simple and all the components are readily available, and thus, the present system offers a convenient maneuver to shape aryl–benzyl linkages.