Nickel-catalyzed, sodium iodide-promoted reductive dimerization of alkyl halides, alkyl pseudohalides, and allylic acetates.

The first general method for the reductive dimerization of alkyl halides, alkyl mesylates, alkyl trifluoroacetates, and allylic acetates is reported which proceeds with low catalyst loading (0.5 to 5 mol%), generally high yields (80% ave yield), and good functional-group tolerance.