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A mechanistic study on the α-arylation of N -alkylbenzamides catalyzed by a dual nickel/photoredox system using aryl bromides is reported herein. This study elucidates the origins of site-selectivity of the transformation, which is controlled by the generation of a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) agent by a photocatalyst and bromide ions in solution. Tetrabutylammonium bromide was identified as a crucial additive and source of a potent HAT agent, which led to increases in yields and a lowering of the stoichiometries of the aryl bromide coupling partner. NMR titration experiments and Stern–Volmer quenching studies provide evidence for complexation to and oxidation of bromide by the photocatalyst, while elementary steps involving deprotonation of the N -alkylbenzamide or 1,5-HAT were ruled out through mechanistic probes and kinetic isotope effect analysis. This study serves as a valuable tool to better understand the α-arylation of N -alkylbenzamides, and has broader implications in halide-mediated C–H functionalization reactions. 

A mild, convenient coupling of aliphatic aldehydes and unactivated alkyl bromides has been developed. The catalytic system features the use of a common Ni( ii ) precatalyst and a readily available bioxazoline ligand and affords silyl-protected secondary alcohols. The reaction is operationally simple, utilizing Mn as a stoichiometric reductant, and tolerates a wide range of functional groups. The use of 1,5-hexadiene as an additive is an important reaction parameter that provides significant benefits in yield optimizations. Initial mechanistic experiments support a mechanism featuring an alpha-silyloxy Ni species that undergoes formal oxidative addition to the alkyl bromide via a reductive cross-coupling pathway.