Silanes a Versatile Hydride Source for Ni–H Chemistry: A Promising Tool for π-Hydro Functionalization

Abstract

Silanes, a simple and common hydride source, are emphasized for their chemical stability, neat and easy-to-handle and usually not requiring any precautions upon activation by nickel catalysis. Their hydride donor nature, reacted with ligand tailored nickel complex generates reactive Ni-H species, which is normally more prone to facile addition to the π-bond, thus generating the organonickel intermediate, which can undergo variety of sequential cross-coupling reactions. Notably, recent developments have brought to the forefront π-hydrofunctionalization reactions facilitated by Ni-H catalysis. In addition, the exploitation of suitable chiral ligands has paved the way for the realization of asymmetric hydrofunctionalization reactions in the realm of π-bonds. This review aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the latest achievements in C-C and C-heteroatom bond formations through silane mediated hydrofunctionalization catalyzed by nickel hydride. In particular, the NiH/ligand-catalytic system exhibits remarkable reactivity with π-substrates including alkenes, alkynes, and allenes. A thorough mechanistic understanding of these processes offers insights into the trends and future direction in drive innovation in catalyst design, fine tune reaction systems, and development of new cross-coupling reactions with π-substrates.