Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of secondary nitriles via stereoconvergent Negishi arylations and alkenylations of racemic α-bromonitriles

The first method for the stereoconvergent cross-coupling of racemic α-halonitriles is described, specifically, nickel-catalyzed Negishi arylations and alkenylations that furnish an array of enantioenriched α-arylnitriles and allylic nitriles, respectively. Noteworthy features of this investigation include: the highly enantioselective synthesis of α-alkyl-α-aryl nitriles that bear secondary α-alkyl substituents; the first examples of the use of alkenylzinc reagents in stereoconvergent Negishi reactions of alkyl electrophiles; demonstration of the utility of a new family of ligands for asymmetric Negishi cross-couplings (a bidentate bis(oxazoline), rather than a tridentate pybox); in the case of arylzinc reagents, carbon–carbon bond formation at a remarkably low temperature (−78 °C), the lowest reported to date for an enantioselective cross-coupling of an alkyl electrophile; a mechanistic dichotomy between Negishi reactions of an unactivated versus an activated secondary alkyl bromide.