Activation of Si-H bonds across the nickel carbene bond in electron rich nickel PCcarbeneP pincer complexes

Abstract

Silicon–hydrogen bonds are shown to add to a nickel carbon double bond to yield nickel α-silylalkyl hydrido complexes. Kinetic and isotope labeling studies suggest that a concerted 4-centred addition across the Ni[double bond, length as m-dash]C bond is operative rather than a mechanism involving Si–H oxidative addition. This constitutes an example of Si–H bond activation via ligand cooperativity.