Photoelectrochemistry-Promoted Ni-Catalyzed C-O Cross-Couplings

The synergistic integration of metal catalysis with electrochemistry has emerged as a powerful tool for organic synthesis. However, in nickel-catalyzed electrochemical cross-coupling reactions, mismatches between external conditions and reaction rates often lead to side reactions such as catalyst deactivation, homocoupling, and protonation. Addressing this issue through the development of strategies is highly desirable. Herein, we report the successful merging of photochemistry with electrochemistry to facilitate nickel-catalyzed C-O cross-coupling reactions, providing a practical method for the synthesis of alkyl aryl ethers. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that this photoelectrochemical strategy effectively enhances the efficiency of nickel-catalyzed C-O cross-coupling reactions compared to traditional electrochemical methods by regenerating the active Ni^I catalyst from the Ni^II species through photochemistry.