Direct Access to Isotopically Labeled Aliphatic Ketones Mediated by Nickel(I) Activation.

An extensive range of functionalized aliphatic ketones with good functional‐group tolerance has been prepared by a NiI‐promoted coupling of either primary or secondary alkyl iodides with NN2 pincer NiII‐acyl complexes. The latter were easily accessed from the corresponding NiII‐alkyl complexes with stoichiometric CO. This Ni‐mediated carbonylative coupling is adaptable to late‐stage carbon isotope labeling, as illustrated by the preparation of isotopically labelled pharmaceuticals. Preliminary investigations suggest the intermediacy of carbon‐centered radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]