Nickel-Catalyzed Hydroarylation of Alkynes under Reductive Conditions with Aryl Bromides and Water.

An operationally simple nickel-catalyzed hydroarylation reaction for alkynes is described. This three-component coupling reaction utilizes commercially available alkynes and aryl bromides, along with water and Zn. An air-stable and easily synthesized Ni(II) precatalyst is the only entity used in the reaction that is not commercially available.