Nickel-Catalyzed Vinylation of Aryl Chlorides and Bromides with Vinyl ZnBr•MgBrCl

The Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl halides and vinylzinc bromide for the synthesis of styrene derivatives was investigated. Of the catalysts surveyed, the combination of Ni(acac)(2) and Xantphos was found to be the most effective for this cross-coupling. This catalyst could be used in reactions with various aryl bromides and chlorides, including electron-rich aryl chlorides such as chloroanisoles.