Zhang, LeiHu, Xile2021-01-182021-01-182021-01-182020-04-2710.1039/D0SC01445Ahttps://infoscience.epfl.ch/handle/20.500.14299/174767WOS:000577727000020Convergent paired electrosynthesis is an energy-efficient approach in organic synthesis; however, it is limited by the difficulty to match the innate redox properties of reaction partners. Here we use nickel catalysis to cross-couple the two intermediates generated at the two opposite electrodes of an electrochemical cell, achieving direct arylation of benzylic C–H bonds. This method yields a diverse set of diarylmethanes, which are important structural motifs in medicinal and materials chemistry. Preliminary mechanistic study suggests oxidation of a benzylic C–H bond, Ni-catalyzed C–C coupling, and reduction of a Ni intermediate as key elements of the catalytic cycle.text::journal::journal article::research article