Stable, Well-Defined Nickel(0) Catalysts for Catalytic C–C and C–N Bond Formation

The
synthesis and catalytic activity of several classes of NHC–Ni(0)
precatalysts stabilized by electron-withdrawing alkenes are described.
Variations in the structure of fumarate and acrylate ligands modulate
the reactivity and stability of the NHC–Ni(0) precatalysts
and lead to practical and versatile catalysts for a variety of transformations.
The catalytic activity and efficiency of representative members of
this class of catalysts have been evaluated in reductive couplings
of aldehydes and alkynes and in N-arylations of amines.