Ni-Catalyzed C(sp3)-O Arylation of α-Hydroxy Esters.

A Negishi cross-coupling of α-hydroxy ester derivatives and arylzinc reagents has been developed. This reaction tolerates both primary and secondary C(sp3)-O alcohol precursors and achieves efficient cross-coupling under Ni catalysis without the need for added external metal reductant, photocatalyst, or additives. The arylation of readily accessible C(sp3)-O electrophiles in this operationally simple, rapid, and mild reaction provides a complementary way of accessing desirable α-aryl ester products.