Chiral Aluminum Complex Controls Enantioselective Nickel‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Indenes: C−CN Bond Activation.

A chiral aluminum complex controlled, enantioselective nickel‐catalyzed domino reaction of aryl nitriles and alkynes proceeding by C−CN bond activation was developed. The reaction provides various indenes, bearing chiral all‐carbon quaternary centers, under mild reaction conditions in yields of 32 to 91 % and ee values within the 73–98 % range. The reaction mechanism and aspects of stereocontrol were investigated by DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]