C-C bond activation with selective functionalization: preparation of unsymmetrical biaryls from benzonitriles

For the first time. benzonitriles have been shown to participate in metal-catalyzed cross coupling reactions via activation of the C-CN bond. Thus, reaction of a benzonitrile,vith an aryl Grignard derivative in the presence of a Ni catalyst can readily provide the corresponding unsymmetrical biaryl in high yield and with high selectivity. (C), 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.