Nickel‐Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization‐Negishi Coupling of Redox Active Esters for the Synthesis of Pyrrolidines

We have developed a Ni-catalyzed cascade cyclization/Negishi-coupling reaction for the formation of pyrrolidines and pyrrolidinones starting from N-protected allylamines acrylamides which contain redox active ester group. The provides two C-C bonds in single operation takes place with both alkylzinc arylzinc bromides as nucleophiles. Activation RAE by low valent Ni complexes involving radical pathway followed fast cyclization intermediate carbon radicals is proposed.