Design, synthesis, and carbon-heteroatom coupling reactions of organometallic nickel(IV) complexes

Abstract

Taking advantage of four for a nickel Metal atoms change their oxidation state—i.e., lose or gain electrons—relatively easily. This is a major reason why metal compounds accelerate so many chemical reactions. Camasso and Sanford now report a straightforward way to prepare complexes of nickel in the +4 oxidation state, based on careful tuning of the coordination environment around the metal center (see the Perspective by Riordan). These complexes could prove useful in coupling carbon to oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur, and complement more traditional nickel catalysts that operate in lower oxidation states. Science , this issue p. 1218 ; see also p. 1203