Insertion of the carbene : CH2 into Ni–R bonds of mono- and di-alkylnickel(II) complexes

Abstract

The reaction of alkylnickel(II) complexes [NiR₂(bpy)] and [NiR(X)L₂][R = Me, Et; X = imido, OCOMe; L = bpy (2,2′-bipyridine), 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane], with CH₂X₂(X = Cl, I) afforded RCH₂CH₂R, RCH₂R, RMe, and R(–H)= CH₂ in addition to the usual degradation products R–R, RH, and R(–H); these unusual products are considered to be formed through insertion of the carbene: CH₂ into the Mi–R bond.