Heterogeneous catalysis with nickel-on-graphite (Ni/Cg).

Impregnation of nickel(II) onto graphite, upon reduction in situ, leads to a reagent that catalyzes both C-H and C-C bond formations between aryl halides, or aryl pseudo-halides, and various organometallics. Cross-couplings, most notably with tosylates, can lead to either reduced aromatics, biaryls, or styrenes as products under the influence of Ni/Cg. The catalyst is inexpensive, non-pyrophoric, and reusable.