THE COUPLING OF ORGANIC GROUPS BY THE ELECTROCHEMICAL REDUCTION OF ORGANIC HALIDES: CATALYSIS BY 2,2'-BIPYRIDINENICKEL COMPLEXES

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-328X(86)80118-8

The electrochemical reduction of a dilute solution of NiX2bipy (bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine) in N-methylpyrrolidone gives the corresponding Ni⁰ complex, which undergoes oxidative addition with an excess of an organic halide RX to form RNiX.Decomposition of RNiX gives the dimer R₂ in good yield and nickel(II).The nickel(0) species is regenerated to give an electrocatalytic process.The possible mechanism of these reactions is discussed briefly.