Impact of Oxidation State on Reactivity and Selectivity Differences between Nickel(III) and Nickel(IV) Alkyl Complexes. Issue 27 (24th May 2019) - Roberts, Courtney C.
Abstract: Described is a systematic comparison of factors impacting the relative rates and selectivities of C(sp 3 )−C and C(sp 3 )−O bond‐forming reactions at high‐valent Ni as a function of oxidation state. Two Ni complexes are compared: a cationic octahedral Ni IV complex ligated by tris(pyrazolyl)borate and a cationic octahedral Ni III complex ligated by tris(pyrazolyl)methane. Key features of reactivity/selectivity are revealed: 1) C(sp 3 )−C(sp 2 ) bond‐forming reductive elimination occurs from both centers, but the Ni III complex reacts up to 300‐fold faster than the Ni IV, depending on the reaction conditions. The relative reactivity is proposed to derive from ligand dissociation kinetics, which vary as a function of oxidation state and the presence/absence of visible light. 2) Upon the addition of acetate (AcO − ), the Ni IV complex exclusively undergoes C(sp 3 )−OAc bond formation, while the Ni III analogue forms the C(sp 3 )−C(sp 2 ) coupled product selectively. This difference is rationalized based on the electrophilicity of the respective M−C(sp 3 ) bonds, and thus their relative reactivity towards outer‐sphere SN 2‐type bond‐forming reactions. Abstract : The high point : This report describes a systematic comparison of factors impacting the relative rates and selectivities of C(sp 3 )−C and C(sp 3 )−O bond‐forming reactions at high‐valent Ni centers as a function of oxidation state (Ni III versus Ni IV ). Two Ni complexes are compared: a cationic octahedral Ni IV complex ligated by tris(pyrazolyl)borate and a cationic octahedral Ni III complex ligated by tris(pyrazolyl)methane.