Nickel Catalyzed Hydrovinylation of Arylethylenes: General Method of Synthesis of α-Arylpropionic Acids Intermediates

The hydrovinylation of arylethylenes catalyzed by [Ni(MeCN)6][BF4]2/AlEt2Cl/PPh3 was modulated to obtain 3-aryl-1-butenes in high yields and selectivities. A wide variety of arylethylenes containing electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups and Lewis basic group, can be hydrovinylated at room temperature and under mild conditions by changing the relative ratios of the three-component catalyst. Similar activities and selectivities were observed for o-, m- and p-substituted styrenes. Also, the hydrovinylation of olefins with substituents in the vinyl fragment, such as α-methylstyrene and indene, can be accomplished.