Synthesis and Reactivity of a Dimeric Ni(I) Methyl Complex

The synthesis and reactivity of a dimeric Ni­(I) methyl complex, [(IPr)­Ni­(μ-CH3)]2, (1; IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-di-isopropylphenyl)­imidazolin-2-ylidene) is reported. Reaction with CO2 results in the formation of a bridging Ni­(II) carbonate species. Additionally, 1 activates a variety of element-H bonds to form methane and new Ni-element linkages. In one instance, treatment with SiH4 resulted in Si–H bond activation to form a bridging silylene complex, [(IPr)­NiH­(μ-SiH2)]2. Finally, complex 1 is a competent catalyst for the coupling of CH3MgCl with aryl halides.