Nickel-Catalyzed Allylic Substitution of Simple Alkenes

Nickel-catalyzed intermolecular allylic substitution of simple alkenes (ethylene and alpha olefins) is described. This method is the first catalytic intermolecular process for direct allylation of nonconjugated, nonstrained simple alkenes. Catalyst loadings as low as 2.5 mol % Ni afford the desired product in high yield in both gram-scale and smaller scale coupling reactions.