Ni-Catalyzed C(sp3)–O Arylation of α‑Hydroxy Esters

A Negishi cross-coupling of α-hydroxy ester derivatives and arylzinc reagents has been developed. This reaction tolerates both primary and secondary C­(sp3)–O alcohol precursors and achieves efficient cross-coupling under Ni catalysis without the need for added external metal reductant, photocatalyst, or additives. The arylation of readily accessible C­(sp3)–O electrophiles in this operationally simple, rapid, and mild reaction provides a complementary way of accessing desirable α-aryl ester products.