Regioselective alkenylation of imidazoles by nickel/Lewis acid catalysis

Nickel/Lewis acid binary catalysis is found effective to direct regioselective alkenylation of imidazoles through C–H bond activation and stereoselective insertion of alkynes. Use of P(t-Bu)3 as a ligand allows exclusive regioselective C(2)-alkenylation, while PCyp3 is found effective for C(5)-alkenylation of C(2)-substituted imidazoles. The reaction demonstrates a broad scope of imidazoles and internal alkynes to give trisubstituted ethenes highly regio- and stereoselectively in modest to good yields.