A T-shaped NiI complex was synthesized using a rigid acridane-based pincer ligand to prepare a metalloradical center. Structural data displays a nickel ion is embedded in the plane of a PNP ligand. Having a sterically exposed half-filled dx2-y2 orbital, this three-coordinate NiI species reveals unique open-shell reactivity including the homolytic cleavage of various σ-bonds, such as H-H, N-N, and C-C.
Keywords: C−C bond activation; metalloradicals; nickel; radicals.
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