Nickel-Catalyzed Branched Hydroalkylation of Alkenes with Diazo Compounds

A nickel-catalyzed, branched-selective hydroalkylation of alkenes using diazo compounds has been developed. This protocol enables the functionalization of both activated and unactivated alkenes, in both directed and nondirected manners. Mono-, di-, and trisubstituted alkenes can be effectively transformed. Highly diastereoselective hydroalkylations have also been demonstrated. The method provides a novel approach for introducing an alpha-carbonyl moiety to alkenes, which is currently inaccessible by existing methods. Preliminary mechanistic investigations suggest a carbene-type mechanism, which is unusual for nickel catalysis.