Tactics for uncovering intermediates in nickel Kumada cross-coupling catalysis

In this issue of Chem, L.M. Mirica and co-workers elucidate the roles of NiI and NiIII intermediates in the Kumada cross-coupling reaction by using the tridentate ligand iPr3TACN. Their research highlights the stabilization of these intermediates by acetonitrile and the resulting enhanced catalytic efficiency and provides insights into ligand design.