Exploring the reactivity of nickel complexes in hydrodecyanation reactions

• Novel nickel complexes modified by a O,N,O ligands were synthesized.
• The nickel complexes were applied as precatalyst in the hydrodecyanation of aryl and alkyl halides.
• Good to excellent yields and chemoselectivities were feasible.

In the present study, the nickel-catalyzed hydrodecyanation of organic cyanides with lithium borohydride as a cheap hydride source has been examined in detail. As precatalysts straightforward nickel complexes modified by tridentate O,N,O′-ligands and triphenylphosphane as co-ligand have been applied. Noteworthy, excellent yields and chemoselectivities were feasible for a variety of organic cyanides at low catalyst loadings and low temperature (70 °C) within short reaction time (3 h).

In the present study, the nickel-catalyzed hydrodecyanation of organic halides with lithium borohydride as hydride source has been examined in detail. With a straightforward nickel complex as precatalyst good to excellent yields and chemoselectivities were feasible for a variety of halides.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide