Aryl-Nickel-Catalyzed Benzylic Dehydrogenation of Electron-Deficient Heteroarenes.

This manuscript describes the first practical benzylic dehydrogenation of electron-deficient heteroarenes, including pyridines, pyrazines, pyrimidines, pyridazines, and triazines. This transformation allows for the efficient benzylic oxidation of heteroarenes to afford heterocyclic styrenes by the action of nickel catalysis paired with an unconventional bromothiophene oxidant.