Enantioselective, Nickel-Catalyzed Suzuki Cross-Coupling of Quinolinium Ions

Quinolinium ions are engaged in an asymmetric, Ni-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling to yield 2-aryl- and 2-heteroaryl-1,2-dihydroquinolines. Key to the development of this method is the use of a Ni(II) precatalyst that activates without the need for strong reductants or high temperatures. The Ni-iminium activation mode is demonstrated as an exceptionally mild pathway to generate enantioenriched products from racemic starting materials.