Homocoupling of benzyl halides catalyzed by POCOP–nickel pincer complexes

Two types of POCOP–nickel(II) pincer complexes were prepared by mixing POCOP pincer ligands and NiX2 in toluene at reflux. The resulting nickel complexes efficiently catalyze the homocoupling reactions of benzyl halides in the presence of zinc. The coupled products were obtained in excellent to quantitative yields.