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

The first nickel catalyzed deprotonative cross coupling between C(sp)-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.