Role of Benzylic Deprotonation in Nickel-Catalyzed Benzylic Dehydrogenation

Alkylarenes are readily functionalized via the corresponding benzylic anions. Benzylic anions have been used for a range of catalytic reactions, including Ni-catalyzed dehydrogenation. Interestingly, the employment of Zn(TMP)2 for slow and incomplete deprotonation of the benzylic position was observed. This manuscript describes a preliminary investigation into the deprotonation of heteroarenes and its relationship to Ni-catalyzed benzylic dehydrogenation.