Arylation of both acyclic ketones and primary and secondary amines was achieved using a new, simple, stable, and easy-to-access nickel(II)−halide complex bearing mixed PPh3/N-heterocyclic carbene ligands as a catalyst precursor. Acyclic ketones were first arylated at the α-position with the nickel catalyst. On the other hand, less basic amines, such as diphenylamine and 4-aminobenzophenone, were more