New nickel complexes for trifluoromethylation studies

Abstract

We decided to prepare bis-perfluoroalkyl nickel complexes bearing a bipyridine ligand for investigation of the fundamental nickel perfluoroalkyl chemistry and reductive elimination of perfluoroethylene. Moreover, we envisioned a new precursor for investigation of Ar-CF3 reductive elimination. We have successfully demonstrated the syntheses of [(dtbpy)Ni(CF3)2] and [(dtbpy)Ni(CF2CF3)2] in moderate yields. The key intermediate nickel complex, [(tmeda)Ni(CF3)Br] allowed for the preparation of new complexes in good yields.