Arylation of non-activated C–Cl bond with Grignard reagents catalyzed by pincer [PCP]-nickel complexes

A series of pincer Ni(II) complexes were prepared and utilized in the cross-coupling reaction of non-activated aryl chlorides with Grignard reagents (The Kumada reaction). Catalytic studies revealed that complex 5 ([Ph-PNCNP-Ph]-Ni-Cl) showed the highest catalytic activity for the cross-coupling reaction in the presence of 2 mol% catalyst under mild reaction condition.