σ-Noninnocence: Masked Phenyl-Cation Transfer at Formal NiIV

Oxidation States: Intrinsically Ambiguous?

The oxidation state ( OS ) formalism is a much-appreciated good in chemistry, receiving wide application. However, like all formalisms, limitations are inescapable, some of which have been recently explored. Providing a broader context, we discuss the OS and its interpretation from a computational perspective for transition metal (TM) complexes. We define a broadly applicable and easy-to-use procedure to derive OS s based on quantum chemical calculations, via the use of localized orbitals, dubbed the Intrinsic OS . Applying this approach to a cobalt complex in five OS s, isolated by Hunter and co-workers (Inorg. Chem.2021, 60, 17445), we find that the calculated Intrinsic OS matches the formal OS , consistent with the experimental characterization. Through analysis of the delocalized orbitals, the ligand field of the Co(III) complex is found to be "inverted", despite every cobalt-ligand bond being classically dative from the localized perspective-a bonding scenario very similar to that of [Cu(CF3)4]-. This is not atypical but rather a natural consequence of these metals bonding in the high-valent region, and we propose a more restrictive definition of (locally) inverted bonding. Additionally, two bonding descriptors within the Intrinsic Bonding Orbital (IBO) framework (σ-gain and π-loss) are introduced, which enable facile quantification of electron-sharing covalency across a broad range of TM complexes.

Assessing the Character of the C6F5 Ligand from the Electrochemical and Photophysical Properties of [Ni(C6F5)2(N∧N)] Complexes

Organonickel complexes containing α-diimine ligands [Ni(C6F5)2(N∧N)] (N∧N = 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dmphen), 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (tmphen), dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz), 1,4-bis(isopropyl)-1,4-diazabutadiene (iPr-DAB), and 1,4-bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-1,4-diazabutadiene (Xyl-DAB) were prepared and studied structurally, spectroscopically, and electrochemically. Their molecular structures from single-crystal X-ray diffraction show near-perfect square planar Ni(II) coordination except in the case of dmphen. Primary reversible electrochemical reductions in the range from -1 to -2 V vs ferrocene/ferrocenium couple lead to mainly diimine-localized radical anion complexes, while secondary reductions in the range from -2 to -2.5 V lead to dianion complexes, as shown through spectroelectrochemistry. Irreversible metal-centered oxidations at around 0.7 V result in rapid aryl-aryl reductive elimination and formation of decafluorobiphenyl. No photoluminescence was detected for the complexes containing chromophoric α-diimine ligands at room temperature. At 77 K in frozen glassy 2-Me-THF matrices, weak photoluminescence was detected for the dmphen and tmphen derivatives, with broad emission bands peaking around 570 nm. All results are rationalized with the support of (TD-)DFT calculations, highlighting the role of the C6F5 ligand in different systems.

Catalytically Relevant Organocopper(III) Complexes Formed through Aryl-Radical-Enabled Oxidative Addition

Stepwise oxidative addition of copper(I) complexes to form copper(III) species via single electron transfer (SET) events has been widely proposed in copper catalysis. However, direct observation and detailed investigation of these fundamental steps remain elusive owing largely to the typically slow oxidative addition rate of copper(I) complexes and the instability of the copper(III) species. We report herein a novel aryl-radical-enabled stepwise oxidative addition pathway that allows for the formation of well-defined alkyl-CuIII species from CuI complexes. The process is enabled by the SET from a CuI species to an aryl diazonium salt to form a CuII species and an aryl radical. Subsequent iodine abstraction from an alkyl iodide by the aryl radical affords an alkyl radical, which then reacts with the CuII species to form the alkyl-CuIII complex. The structure of resultant [(bpy)CuIII(CF3)2(alkyl)] complexes has been characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Competition experiments have revealed that the rate at which different alkyl iodides undergo oxidative addition is consistent with the rate of iodine abstraction by carbon-centered radicals. The CuII intermediate formed during the SET process has been identified as a four-coordinate complex, [CuII(CH3CN)2(CF3)2], through electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies. The catalytic relevance of the high-valent organo-CuIII has been demonstrated by the C-C bond-forming reductive elimination reactivity. Finally, localized orbital bonding analysis of these formal CuIII complexes indicates inverted ligand fields in σ(Cu-CH2) bonds. These results demonstrate the stepwise oxidative addition in copper catalysis and provide a general strategy to investigate the elusive formal CuIII complexes.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Carbon-Heteroatom Transfer Enables Regioselective Tricomponent 1,4-Carboamination

Tricomponent cobalt(salen)-catalyzed carbofunctionalization of unsaturated substrates by radical-polar crossover has the potential to streamline access to broad classes of heteroatom-functionalized synthetic targets, yet the reaction platform has remained elusive, despite the well-developed analogous hydrofunctionalizations mediated by high-valent alkylcobalt intermediates. We report herein the development of a cobalt(salen) catalytic system that enables carbofunctionalization. The reaction entails a tricomponent decarboxylative 1,4-carboamination of dienes and provides a direct route to aromatic allylic amines by obviating preformed allylation reagents and protection of oxidation-sensitive aromatic amines. The catalytic system merges acridine photocatalysis with cobalt(salen)-catalyzed regioselective 1,4-carbofunctionalization that facilitates the crossover of the radical and polar phases of the tricomponent coupling process, revealing critical roles of the reactants, as well as ligand effects and the nature of the formal high-valent alkylcobalt species on the chemo- and regioselectivity.

The Fluoride Method: Access to Silver(III) NHC Complexes

We have synthesized the first silver(III) carbene complexes, (CF3 )3 Ag(NHC), by direct reaction of the silver(III) fluoride precursor complex [PPh4 ][(CF3 )3 AgF] with different imidazolium salts. This novel methodology circumvents the use of free NHC molecules. The silver(III) carbene complexes thus prepared are unprecedented and show remarkable thermal stabilities. They display square-planar or square-pyramidal geometry. Following our calculations, the electronic structure of a model representative complex exhibits Inverse Ligand Field (ILF). The compounds reported herein are synthetic analogues of the elusive difluorocarbene and carbonyl species proposed as intermediates in the acidic decomposition of [Ag(CF3 )4 ]- . The synthetic procedure reported is envisaged to enable access to carbene complexes of other late transition-metals in high oxidation states.

Closed Synthetic Cycle for Nickel-Based Dihydrogen Formation

Dihydrogen evolution was observed in a two-step protonation reaction starting from a Ni0 precursor with a tripodal N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand. Upon the first protonation, a NiII monohydride complex was formed, which was isolated and fully characterized. Subsequent protonation yields H2 via a transient intermediate (INT) and an isolable NiII acetonitrile complex. The latter can be reduced to regenerate its Ni0 precursor. The mechanism of H2 formation was investigated by using a deuterated acid and scrutinized by 1 H NMR spectroscopy and gas chromatography. Remarkably, the second protonation forms a rare nickel dihydrogen complex, which was detected and identified in solution and characterized by 1 H NMR spectroscopy. DFT-based computational analyses were employed to propose a reaction profile and a molecular structure of the Ni-H2 complex. Thus, a dihydrogen-evolving, closed-synthetic cycle is reported with a rare Ni-H2 species as a key intermediate.

Revisiting sp2 Dilithio Methandiides: From Geometric Curiosity to Simple Bonding Description

The reported tetracoordinate dilithio methandiide complex from Liddle and co-workers (1) is investigated from a coordination chemistry perspective, to probe the origin of its intriguing geometry. Through the application of a variety of computational techniques, non-covalent (steric, electrostatic) interactions are found to be dominant. Further, we arrive at a bonding description which emphasizes the tricoordinate sp2 -hybridized nature of the central methandiide carbon, differing somewhat from the original proposal. Thus, 1 is distinct from other dilithio methandiides since it contains only one C-Li σ-bond, and is found to be comparable to a simple aryllithium compound, phenyllithium.

Cross-Coupling Reactions Enabled by Well-Defined Ag(III) Compounds: Main Focus on Aromatic Fluorination and Trifluoromethylation

AgIII compounds are considered strong oxidizers of difficult handling. Accordingly, the involvement of Ag catalysts in cross-coupling via 2e- redox sequences is frequently discarded. Nevertheless, organosilver(III) compounds have been authenticated using tetradentate macrocycles or perfluorinated groups as supporting ligands, and since 2014, first examples of cross-coupling enabled by AgI /AgIII redox cycles saw light. This review collects the most relevant contributions to this field, with main focus on aromatic fluorination/perfluoroalkylation and the identification of AgIII key intermediates. Pertinent comparison between the activity of AgIII RF compounds in aryl-F and aryl-CF3 couplings vs. the one shown by its CuIII RF and AuIII RF congeners is herein disclosed, thus providing a more profound picture on the scope of these transformations and the pathways commonly associated to C-RF bond formations enabled by coinage metals.

Scrutinizing formally NiIV centers through the lenses of core spectroscopy, molecular orbital theory, and valence bond theory

Nickel K- and L2,3-edge X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) are discussed for 16 complexes and complex ions with nickel centers spanning a range of formal oxidation states from II to IV. K-edge XAS alone is shown to be an ambiguous metric of physical oxidation state for these Ni complexes. Meanwhile, L2,3-edge XAS reveals that the physical d-counts of the formally NiIV compounds measured lie well above the d6 count implied by the oxidation state formalism. The generality of this phenomenon is explored computationally by scrutinizing 8 additional complexes. The extreme case of NiF62- is considered using high-level molecular orbital approaches as well as advanced valence bond methods. The emergent electronic structure picture reveals that even highly electronegative F-donors are incapable of supporting a physical d6 NiIV center. The reactivity of NiIV complexes is then discussed, highlighting the dominant role of the ligands in this chemistry over that of the metal centers.

Bonding and the role of electrostatics in driving C-C bond formation in high valent organocopper compounds

The electronic structures and contrasting reactivity of [Cu(CF3)4]- and [Cu(CF3)3(CH3)]- were probed using coupled cluster and ab initio valence bond calculations. The Cu-C bonds in these complexes were found to be charge shift bonds. A key finding is that electrostatics likely prevent [Cu(CF3)4]- from accessing a productive transition state for C-C bond formation while promote one for [Cu(CF3)3(CH3)]-. These results therefore highlight essential design criteria for Cu-mediated C-C/C-heteroatom bond formation.

Formation and Reactivity of a Fleeting NiIII Bisphenoxyl Diradical Species

Cytochrome P450s and Galactose Oxidases exploit redox active ligands to form reactive high valent intermediates for oxidation reactions. This strategy works well for the late 3d metals where accessing high valent states is rather challenging. Herein, we report the oxidation of Ni^II (salen) (salen=N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-salicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexane-(1R,2R)-diamine) with mCPBA (meta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid) to form a fleeting Ni^III bisphenoxyl diradical species, in CH₃ CN and CH₂ Cl₂ at -40 °C. Electrochemical and spectroscopic analyses using UV/Vis, EPR, and resonance Raman spectroscopies revealed oxidation events both on the ligand and the metal centre to yield a Ni^III bisphenoxyl diradical species. DFT calculations found the electronic structure of the ligand and the d-configuration of the metal center to be consistent with a Ni^III bisphenoxyl diradical species. This three electron oxidized species can perform hydrogen atom abstraction and oxygen atom transfer reactions.

Revisiting Formal Copper(III) Complexes: Bridging Perspectives with Quasi-d 10 Configurations

The formal Cu(III) complex [Cu(CF₃)₄]^1- has often served as a paradigmatic example of challenging oxidation state assignment - with many reports proposing conflicting descriptions. Here we report a computational analysis of this compound, employing Energy Decomposition Analysis and Intrinsic Bond Orbital Analysis. We present a quasi-d ¹⁰ perspective of the metal centre, resulting from ambiguities in d-electron counting. The implications for describing reactions which undergo oxidation state changes, such as the formal reductive elimination from the analogous [Cu(CF₃)₃(CH₂Ph)]^1- complex (Paeth et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019, 141, 3153), are probed. Electron flow analysis finds that the changes in electronic structure may be understood as a quasi-d ¹⁰ to d ¹⁰ transition at the metal centre, rendering this process essentially redox neutral. This is reminiscent of a previously studied formal Ni(IV) complex (Steen et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019, 58, 13133-13139), and indicates that our description of electronic structure has implications for the understanding of elementary organometallic reaction steps.

Ir(IV) Sulfoxide-Pincer Complexes by Three-Electron Oxidative Additions of Br2 and I2. Unprecedented Trap-Free Reductive Elimination of I2 from a formal d5 Metal

Oxidative addition of 1.5 equiv of bromine or iodine to a Ir(I) sulfoxide pincer complex affords the corresponding Ir(IV) tris-bromido or tris-iodido complexes, respectively. The unprecedented trap-free reductive elimination of iodine from the Ir(IV)-iodido complex is induced by coordination of ligands or donor solvents. In the case of added I^-, the isostructural tris-iodo Ir(III)-ate complex is quickly generated, which then can be readily reoxidized to the Ir(IV)-iodido complex with FcPF₆ or electrochemically. DFT calculations indicate an "inverted ligand field" in the Ir(IV) complexes and favor dinuclear pathways for the reductive elimination of iodine from the formal d⁵ metal center.

Impact of the coordination of multiple Lewis acid functions on the electronic structure and vn configuration of a metal center

The covalent bond classification (CBC) method represents a molecule as ML_lX_xZ_z by evaluating the total number of L, X and Z functions interacting with M. The CBC method is a simplistic approach that is based on the notion that the bonding of a ligating atom (or group of atoms) can be expressed in terms of the number of electrons it contributes to a 2-electron bond. In many cases, the bonding in a molecule of interest can be described in terms of a 2-center 2-electron bonding model and the ML_lX_xZ_z classification can be derived straightforwardly by considering each ligand independently. However, the bonding within a molecule cannot always be described satisfactorily by using a 2-center 2-electron model and, in such situations, the ML_lX_xZ_z classification requires a more detailed consideration than one in which each ligand is treated in an independent manner. The purpose of this article is to provide examples of how the ML_lX_xZ_z classification is obtained in the presence of multicenter bonding interactions. Specific emphasis is given to the treatment of multiple π-acceptor ligands and the impact on the vⁿ configuration, i.e. the number of formally nonbonding electrons on an element of interest.

Oxidation State Localized Orbitals: A Method for Assigning Oxidation States Using Optimally Fragment-Localized Orbitals and a Fragment Orbital Localization Index

Oxidation states represent the ionic distribution of charge in a molecule and are significant in tracking redox reactions and understanding chemical bonding. While effective algorithms already exist based on formal Lewis structures as well as using localized orbitals, they exhibit differences in challenging cases where effects such as redox noninnocence are at play. Given a density functional theory (DFT) calculation with chosen total charge and spin multiplicity, this work reports a new approach to obtaining fragment-localized orbitals that is termed oxidation state localized orbitals (OSLO), together with an algorithm for assigning the oxidation state using the OSLOs and an associated fragment orbital localization index (FOLI). Evaluating the FOLI requires fragment populations, and for this purpose a new version of the intrinsic atomic orbital (IAO) scheme is introduced in which the IAOs are evaluated using a reference minimal basis formed from on-the-fly superposition of atomic density (IAO-AutoSAD) calculations in the target basis set and at the target level of theory. The OSLO algorithm is applied to a range of challenging cases including high valent metal oxide complexes, redox noninnocent NO and dithiolate transition metal complexes, a range of carbene-containing TM complexes, and other examples including the potentially inverted ligand field in [Cu(CF₃)₄]^-. Across this range of cases, OSLO produces generally satisfactory results. Furthermore, in borderline cases, the OSLOs and associated FOLI values provide direct evidence of the emergence of covalent interactions between fragments that nicely complements existing approaches.

Unveiling the Electronic Structure of the Bi(+1)/Bi(+3) Redox Couple on NCN and NNN Pincer Complexes

Low-valent group 15 compounds stabilized by pincer ligands have gained particular interest, given their direct access to fine-tune their reactivity by the coordination pattern. Recently, bismuth has been employed in a variety of catalytic transformations by taking advantage of the (+1/+3) redox couple. In this work, we present a detailed quantum–chemical study on the electronic structure of bismuth pincer complexes from two different families, namely, bis(ketimine)phenyl (NCN) and triamide bismuthinidene (NNN). The use of the so-called effective oxidation state analysis allows the unambiguous assignation of the bismuth oxidation state. In contrast to previous studies, our calculations suggest a Bi(+1) assignation for NCN pincer ligands, while Bi(+3) character is found for NNN pincer complexes. Notably, regardless of its oxidation state, the central bismuth atom disposes of up to two lone pairs for coordinating Lewis acids, as indicated by very high first and second proton affinity values. Besides, the Bi–NNN systems can also accommodate two Lewis base ligands, indicating also ambiphilic behavior. The effective fragment orbital analysis of Bi and the ligand allows monitoring of the intricate electron flow of these processes, revealing the noninnocent nature of the NNN ligand, in contrast with the NCN one. By the dissection of the electron density into effective fragment orbitals, we are able to quantify and rationalize the Lewis base/acid character.

Effective oxidation state analysis sheds light on the electronic structure of chemical systems. The oxidation state of bismuthinidene pincer complexes can be assigned as Bi(+1) or Bi(+3) depending on the nature of the ligands. Despite this assignation, the reactivity pattern as Lewis base or acid is similar. The occupation of the effective fragment orbitals gives a straightforward method to quantify the reactivity.

Ligand Field Inversion as a Mechanism to Gate Bioorganometallic Reactivity: Investigating a Biochemical Model of Acetyl CoA Synthase Using Spectroscopy and Computation

The biological global carbon cycle is largely regulated through microbial nickel enzymes, including carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH), acetyl coenzyme A synthase (ACS), and methyl coenzyme M reductase (MCR). These systems are suggested to utilize organometallic intermediates during catalysis, though characterization of these species has remained challenging. We have established a mutant of nickel-substituted azurin as a scaffold upon which to develop protein-based models of enzymatic intermediates, including the organometallic states of ACS. In this work, we report the comprehensive investigation of the S = 1/2 Ni-CO and Ni-CH₃ states using pulsed EPR spectroscopy and computational techniques. While the Ni-CO state shows conventional metal-ligand interactions and a classical ligand field, the Ni-CH₃ hyperfine interactions between the methyl protons and the nickel indicate a closer distance than would be expected for an anionic methyl ligand. Structural analysis instead suggests a near-planar methyl ligand that can be best described as cationic. Consistent with this conclusion, the frontier molecular orbitals of the Ni-CH₃ species indicate a ligand-centered LUMO, with a d⁹ population on the metal center, rather than the d⁷ population expected for a typical metal-alkyl species generated by oxidative addition. Collectively, these data support the presence of an inverted ligand field configuration for the Ni-CH₃ Az species, in which the lowest unoccupied orbital is centered on the ligands rather than the more electropositive metal. These analyses provide the first evidence for an inverted ligand field within a biological system. The functional relevance of the electronic structures of both the Ni-CO and Ni-CH₃ species are discussed in the context of native ACS, and an inverted ligand field is proposed as a mechanism by which to gate reactivity both within ACS and in other thiolate-containing metalloenzymes.

Enthalpy-Controlled Insertion of a "Nonspectator" Tricoordinate Phosphorus Ligand into Group 10 Transition Metal-Carbon Bonds

Insertion of a tricoordinate phosphorus ligand into late metal-carbon bonds is reported. Metalation of a P^P-chelating ligand (L1), composed of a nontrigonal phosphorous (i.e., P(III)) triamide moiety, P(N(o-N(Ar)C6H4)2, tethered by a phenylene linker to a -PiPr2 anchor, with group 10 complexes L2M(Me)Cl (M = Ni, Pd) results in insertion of the nontrigonal phosphorus site into the metal-methyl bond. The stable methylmetallophosphorane compounds thus formed are characterized spectroscopically and crystallographically. Metalation of L1 with (cod)PtII(Me)(Cl) does not lead to a metallophosphorane but rather to the standard bisphosphine chelate (κ2-L1)Pt(Me)(Cl). These divergent reactivities within group 10 are rationalized by reference to periodic variation in M-C bond enthalpies.

[(MeCN)Ni(CF3)3]- and [Ni(CF3)4]2-: Foundations toward the Development of Trifluoromethylations at Unsupported Nickel

Nickel anions [(MeCN)Ni(CF₃)₃]^- and [Ni(CF₃)₄]^2- were prepared by the formal addition of 3 and 4 equiv, respectively, of AgCF₃ to [(dme)NiBr₂] in the presence of the [PPh₄]⁺ counterion. Detailed insights into the electronic properties of these new compounds were obtained through the use of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, spectroscopy-oriented configuration interaction (SORCI) calculations, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The data collectively show that trifluoromethyl complexes of nickel, even in the most common oxidation state of nickel(II), are highly covalent systems whereby a hole is distributed on the trifluoromethyl ligands, surprisingly rendering the metal to a physically more reduced state. In the cases of [(MeCN)Ni(CF₃)₃]^- and [Ni(CF₃)₄]^2-, these complexes are better physically described as d⁹ metal complexes. [(MeCN)Ni(CF₃)₃]^- is electrophilic and reacts with other nucleophiles such as phenoxide to yield the unsupported [(PhO)Ni(CF₃)₃]^2- salt, revealing the broader potential of [(MeCN)Ni(CF₃)₃]^- in the development of "ligandless" trifluoromethylations at nickel. Proof-in-principle experiments show that the reaction of [(MeCN)Ni(CF₃)₃]^- with an aryl iodonium salt yields trifluoromethylated arene, presumably via a high-valent, unsupported, and formal organonickel(IV) intermediate. Evidence of the feasibility of such intermediates is provided with the structurally characterized [PPh₄]₂[Ni(CF₃)₄(SO₄)], which was derived through the two-electron oxidation of [Ni(CF₃)₄]^2-.

High-Valent NiIII and NiIV Species Relevant to C-C and C-Heteroatom Cross-Coupling Reactions: State of the Art

Ni catalysis constitutes an active research arena with notable applications in diverse fields. By analogy with its parent element palladium, Ni catalysts provide an appealing entry to build molecular complexity via cross-coupling reactions. While Pd catalysts typically involve a M⁰/M^II redox scenario, in the case of Ni congeners the mechanistic elucidation becomes more challenging due to their innate properties (like enhanced reactivity, propensity to undergo single electron transformations vs. 2e⁻ redox sequences or weaker M–Ligand interaction). In recent years, mechanistic studies have demonstrated the participation of high-valent Ni^III and Ni^IV species in a plethora of cross-coupling events, thus accessing novel synthetic schemes and unprecedented transformations. This comprehensive review collects the main contributions effected within this topic, and focuses on the key role of isolated and/or spectroscopically identified Ni^III and Ni^IV complexes. Amongst other transformations, the resulting Ni^III and Ni^IV compounds have efficiently accomplished: i) C–C and C–heteroatom bond formation; ii) C–H bond functionalization; and iii) N–N and C–N cyclizative couplings to forge heterocycles.

Reactivity of a formal Cu(iii)-alkyl species toward aniline: a DFT investigation

In this work, through theoretical investigation of the reactivity between a formal Cu(iii)-alkyl species and aniline, we demonstrated the possibility of a S_N2-like C–N coupling mechanism.

The Myth of d8 Copper(III)

Seventeen Cu complexes with formal oxidation states ranging from CuI to CuIII are investigated through the use of multiedge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Analysis reveals that the metal-ligand bonding in high-valent, formally CuIII species is extremely covalent, resulting in Cu K-edge and L2,3-edge spectra whose features have energies that complicate physical oxidation state assignment. Covalency analysis of the Cu L2,3-edge data reveals that all formally CuIII species have significantly diminished Cu d-character in their lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs). DFT calculations provide further validation of the orbital composition analysis, and excellent agreement is found between the calculated and experimental results. The finding that Cu has limited capacity to be oxidized necessitates localization of electron hole character on the supporting ligands; consequently, the physical d8 description for these formally CuIII species is inaccurate. This study provides an alternative explanation for the competence of formally CuIII species in transformations that are traditionally described as metal-centered, 2-electron CuI/CuIII redox processes.

σ-Noninnocence: Masked Phenyl-Cation Transfer at Formal NiIV

Reductive elimination is an elementary organometallic reaction step involving a formal oxidation state change of -2 at a transition-metal center. For a series of formal high-valent NiIV complexes, aryl-CF3 bond-forming reductive elimination was reported to occur readily (Bour et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137, 8034-8037). We report a computational analysis of this reaction and find that, unexpectedly, the formal NiIV centers are better described as approaching a +II oxidation state, originating from highly covalent metal-ligand bonds, a phenomenon attributable to σ-noninnocence. A direct consequence is that the elimination of aryl-CF3 products occurs in an essentially redox-neutral fashion, as opposed to a reductive elimination. This is supported by an electron flow analysis which shows that an anionic CF3 group is transferred to an electrophilic aryl group. The uncovered role of σ-noninnocence in metal-ligand bonding, and of an essentially redox-neutral elimination as an elementary organometallic reaction step, may constitute concepts of broad relevance to organometallic chemistry.