Nickel(II) complexes with N,O-donor thiopseudourea ligands: Syntheses, structures, and catalytic applications in Kumada–Corriu cross-coupling reactions

Abstract

Synthesis, characterization, and physical properties of benzyl-N′-(4-R-benzoyl)-N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)carbamimidothioates, HL1 (R = H) and HL2 (R = Cl), and their nickel(II) complexes having the general molecular formula [Ni(L1/2)2] (1 and 2) have been reported. Elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility, solution electrical conductivity, and various spectroscopic (IR, UV–Vis, and 1H NMR) measurements were used to characterize HL1, HL2, and the two complexes (1 and 2). The molecular structures of all four compounds were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallographic studies. The structures of HL1 and HL2 showed the imino-ketone form of both compounds. In each of 1 and 2, the six-membered chelate ring forming iminolate-O and azomethine-N donor two (L1/2)− ligands form a square-planar trans-N2O2 coordination environment around the metal center. The spectroscopic characteristics of HL1, HL2, 1, and 2 are consistent with their molecular structures. Both complexes were successfully employed as efficient catalysts in Kumada–Corriu C-C cross-coupling reactions of aryl bromides with phenylmagnesium bromide. The reactions provided biaryl products in good to excellent yields with a good substrate scope.