Catalyzation of 1,4-additions of arylboronic acids to α,β-unsaturated substrates using nickel(I) complexes

Nickel(I) complexes were generated in situ from Ni (PPh3)2Cl2 using activated iron and the complexes combined with N,N′-bis(4-fluorobenzylidene) ethane-1,2-diamine (BFBED) were then used as a catalyst for the 1,4-addition reaction of arylboronic acids to α,β-unsaturated substrates. The reaction proceeded to completion and did not require the addition of a base but the addition of potassium iodide is crucial to this cross-coupling reaction. Moreover, experimental observations suggested a possible Ni(I)–Ni(III) catalytic cycle mechanism.