Nickel-Catalyzed C(sp3)–C(sp3) Cross-Electrophile Coupling of In Situ Generated NHP Esters with Unactivated Alkyl Bromides

The formation of C(sp³)-C(sp³) bonds by cross-coupling remains a challenge in synthesis. Here, we demonstrate a two-step, one-pot protocol for the in situ generation of N-hydroxyphthalimide esters and their nickel-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling with unactivated alkyl bromides for the construction of 1°/1 ° C(sp³)-C(sp³) bonds. The conditions tolerate an array of functional groups, and mechanistic studies indicate that both substrates are converted to alkyl radicals during the reaction.