Linlin Xing, Yong Zhang
Cross-electrophile coupling (XEC), the reductive cross-coupling of two distinct electrophiles, has emerged as a versatile and powerful strategy for C-C bond formation. The key feature of XEC is its exclusive use of electrophiles, which are generally far more accessible than carbon nucleophiles. Recent advances in nickel-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling (XEC) using metal reductants or electrosynthesis have significantly advanced the total synthesis of natural products, with this transformation serving as a key step. This review focuses specifically on representative advances in nickel-catalyzed XEC for the efficient construction of complex natural products and bioactive scaffolds in recent years.