<i>cis</i>-Diphosphine Ethene Ligand-Ni Complex Catalyzed C-P Cross-Coupling of Aryl Chlorides

Nickel complexes supported by <i>cis</i>-diphosphine ethene ligands were synthesized and employed in the C-P coupling reaction of aryl chlorides. The rigid five-membered-ring structure formed by bisphosphine ligands with olefinic backbones and nickel may be crucial for facilitating the reductive elimination step in the catalytic cycle. The steric hindrance and electronic properties of these ligands have also been shown to have a significant effect on the rate and extent of the reaction. A series of aryl chlorides can be smoothly converted to the corresponding trisubstituted phosphine oxides with disubstituted phosphine oxides, as well as dialkyl phosphites, under mild conditions. The reaction system also showed good compatibility with heterocyclic structures. In addition, this air-stable and easy-to-handle nickel complex has demonstrated application potential in the synthesis of pharmaceutical molecules.