Ni-Catalyzed Cross-Electrophile Coupling of Acyl Phosphate Ester and Alkyl Bromide to Form Aryl Ketone under Room Temperature

The synthesis of aryl ketones from aryl carboxylic acid derivatives is a fundamental transformation in organic synthesis. Herein, we report a nickel-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling of acyl phosphate esters with alkyl bromides for the efficient construction of aryl ketones. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions and exhibits broad tolerance to various functional groups. A wide range of acyl phosphate esters and alkyl bromides participate efficiently in this coupling. The successful late-stage functionalization of bioactive molecules further highlights the synthetic utility of this strategy. Mechanistic studies support the involvement of an alkyl radical pathway.