Nickel-Catalyzed Dearomative trans-1,2-Carboamination

We describe the development of an arenophile-mediated, nickel-catalyzed dearomative trans-1,2-carboamination protocol. A range of readily available aromatic compounds was converted to the corresponding dienes using Grignard reagents as nucleophiles. This strategy provided products with exclusive trans-selectivity and high enantioselectivity was observed in case of benzene and naphthalene. The utility of this methodology was showcased by controlled and stereoselective preparation of small, functionalized molecules.