Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Oxime Esters with Arylboronic Acids

We report a nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction between oxime ester radical precursors and arylboronic acids that via a nitrogen-centered radical mechanism generates radicals from oxime esters. Using acyl, cyclobutanone, and benzyl oxime esters, this method successfully achieves the acylation, cyanoalkylation, and benzylation of arylboronic acids, demonstrating a broad scope. Notably, this strategy is applicable to the synthesis of the drug molecule fenofibrate and the bioactive molecule naphthylphenstatin, highlighting its potential utility for constructing complex bioactive molecules.