Transition-metal-free coupling of haloarenes with unactivated arenes has been developed in the presence of NaH and 1,10-phenanthroline.

A transition‐metal‐free intermolecular coupling reaction of halocompounds with styrenes in the presence of NaH and 1,10‐phenanthroline was developed. This reaction afforded hydrocarbonated products with complete anti‐Markovnikov selectivity. The method allows the use of a wide range of halocompounds, including aryl and alkyl halides, and good functional group tolerance. Detailed mechanistic studies indicated that an anilide anion generated in situ by the NaH‐mediated reduction of 1,10‐phenanthroline works as an electron donor and a hydrogen source.