Pincer-type bis(carbene)-derived complexes of nickel(II): Synthesis, structure, and catalytic activity

Air- and moisture-stable NHC (N-heterocyclic carbene)-derived CNC-type pincer complexes of nickel(II) 4a–d were successfully synthesized, and their structures were fully characterized using X-ray crystallography and analytical and spectroscopic methods. These complexes exhibit a high catalytic activity for the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction of aryl bromides and chlorides with aryl- and alkenylboronic acids, providing an array of biphenyls and stilbenes generally in high yields.