Ni-Catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition via the Capture of Azametallacyclopentadienes with Allyl Boronate: Facile Access to Fused Pyridine Derivatives

An unprecedented nickel-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition that enables efficient construction of fused pyridine frameworks with allyl boronate was reported. This transformation is proposed to occur through a mechanism involving aza-nickelacyclopentadiene intermediates, wherein the boryl group of the allyl boronate plays a critical role in enabling the following cyclization via the control experiments. This work not only expands the structural diversity accessible via transition-metal-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions but also showcases the untapped potential of unsaturated substrates in cycloaddition reactions.