Synthesis of (diarylmethyl)amines using Ni-catalyzed arylation of C(sp(3))–H bonds

The first nickel catalyzed deprotonative cross coupling between C(sp(3))–H bonds and aryl chlorides is reported, allowing the challenging arylation of benzylimines in the absence of directing group or stoichiometric metal activation. This methodology represents a convenient access to the (diarylmethyl)amine moiety, which is widespread in pharmaceutically relevant compounds.