Publication
Ketones are an important class of molecules in synthetic and medicinal chemistry. Rapid and modular synthesis of ketones remains in high demand. Described here is a nickel-catalyzed three-component reductive carbonylation method for the synthesis of dialkyl ketones. A wide range of both symmetric and asymmetric dialkyl ketones can be accessed from alkyl halides and a safe CO source, ethyl chloroformate. The approach offers complementary substrate scope to existing carbonylation methods while avoiding the use of either toxic CO or metal carbonyl reagents.