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.