Mechanistic Understanding and Metal Tuning as a Strategy for Improving Alkyl–Alkyl Cross-Coupling Catalysis with Early Transition Metals

Alkyl–alkyl cross-coupling is a powerful C–C bond forming transformation typically catalyzed by late transition metals. Herein we report a mechanistic investigation into an early transition metal-catalyzed variant of this reaction. Through this mechanistic understanding, an ideal Y catalyst was determined through tuning of the metal in order to optimize for oxidation potential, the rate limiting step in this reaction. A wide substrate scope is revealed that includes a variety of functional groups as well as unactivated substrates.