Flash Communication: Oxidative Addition of 3‑Iodopyridine at a Nickel Diphosphine Complex: Probing Secondary Borane Effects

The catalytic cross coupling of N-heteroaryl
electrophiles
is a powerful strategy for accessing functionalized ring systems.
This study explores the reactivity of [Ni(diphosphine)] complexes
with 3-iodopyridine. When the diphosphine ligand features a pendent
borane moiety, oxidative addition occurs, leading to the formation
of a stable dimeric {Ni}2 species having dative B–N
interactions. These findings are contrasted against an n-alkyl containing ligand analogue, highlighting a secondary coordination
sphere effect.