The catalysis by a π-allyl-Co/Ni complex has drawn
significant
attention recently due to its distinct reactivity in reductive Co/Ni-catalyzed
allylation reactions. Despite significant success in reaction development,
the critical oxidative addition mechanism to form the π-allyl-Co/Ni
complex remains unclear. Herein, we present a study to investigate
this process with four catalysis-relevant complexes: Co(MeBPy)Br2, Co(MePhen)Br2, Ni(MeBPy)Br2, and Ni(MePhen)Br2. Enabled by an electroanalytical platform, Co(I)/Ni(I) species were
found responsible for the oxidative addition of allyl acetate. Kinetic
features of different substrates were characterized through linear
free-energy relationship (Hammett-type) studies, statistical modeling,
and a DFT computational study. In this process, a coordination-ionization-type
transition state was proposed, sharing a similar feature with Pd(0)-mediated
oxidative addition in Tsuji–Trost reactions. Computational
and ligand structural analysis studies support this mechanism, which
should provide key information for next-generation catalyst development.