n-Allylnickel Halides as Selective Reagents in Organic SynthesisThe present review is concerned with the selectivity that is available by the use of n-allylnickel halides for the formation of new carbon-carbon bonds. A general outline of the preparation of the complexes, their structure and physical properties is followed by an analysis of their reactivity patterns. Examples of the use of the complexes in natural-product syntheses are then presented, grouped by 'electrophile'.It is hoped that this treatment will demonstrate the utility of these complexes to organic chemists and stimulate their wider use as reagents.
Preparation, Structure, and PropertiesThe dimeric n-allylnickel halide complexes are most conveniently prepared by the reaction of allylic halides with a zero-valent nickel species, in a non-polar solvent, Scheme 3. The two most commonly used nickel species are nickeltetracarbonyl [Ni(C0),l6 and bis-1,5-cyclo-octadienylnickel(0) [Ni(COD)2].7 The use of other nickel species e.g. Ni(C0)3P(Ph)3 has been reported.* Ni(C0)4 is commercially available, and although Ni(COD)2 is also an article of commerce, its high price makes its synthesis attractive.
Scbeme 3Allylic systems with other leaving groups such as me~ylates,~ acetates,'O and sulphonium salts l 1 also give rise to n-allylnickel halides on treatment with nickel(0) reagents. The use of allylic bromides is, however, by far the most common procedure, as these compounds are easily and reliably prepared from the corresponding alcohols, and give somewhat higher yields of the complexes.