Mechanistic study of a switch in the regioselectivity of hydroheteroarylation of styrene catalyzed by bimetallic Ni-Al through C-H activation.
We previously reported a highly efficient protocol for bimetallic Ni-Al-catalyzed hydroheteroarylation of styrene with benzimidazole based on C-H bond activation. We have now delineated the mechanism of this process, providing a rationale for an observed switch in regioselectivity in the presence of the Lewis acid, AlMe3. The present mechanistic study gives insights for the rational development of catalysts that exhibit required linear/branched selectivity.
Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Sec. 2, Academia Road, Nangang, Taipei (Taiwan, R.O.C.), Fax: (+886) 2-2783-1237.
Wen-Ching
WC
Chen
Ying-Chieh
YC
Lai
Wei-Chun
WC
Shih
Ming-Shiuan
MS
Yu
Glenn P A
GP
Yap
Tiow-Gan
TG
Ong
CH bond activation; alkenes; homogeneous catalysis; nickel; regioselectivity