Borates as a Traceless Activation Group for Intermolecular Alkylarylation of Ethylene through Photoredox/Nickel Dual Catalysis

A formal ethylene alkylarylation reaction with aryl halides and alkyl oxalates enabled by synergistic photoredox/nickel catalysis is reported. This protocol takes advantage of borates as a traceless activation group, achieving the formal ethylene difunctionalized products via a catalytic three-component 1,2-alkylarylation of vinyl borate followed by a base-assisted deborylation process. The mild conditions allow for excellent functional groups compatibility and broad substrate scope.