Abstract
A methodology to access reactive hydride moieties is highly desirable, yet limited.
Multimetallic hydride fragments are notable for their heightened reactivity and catalysis,
but deliberate access to these species is lacking. In this highlight, we discuss recent
developments by our group in the design of a new heterometallic complex that invokes
an architecture designed to provide modular access to reactive hydride moieties by
leveraging metal hydrides in combination with pendent donors to a model heterotrimetallic
Ni–(Al–H)2 complex. An amplification of insertion-based reactivity has been examined in the
hydrofunctionalization of quinolines, and our complex substantially outperformed the
parent aluminum hydride LAlH (L = ligand). A potential rationale for the dramatically
increased reactivity, and a further examination of these motifs and methodology in
catalysis are also discussed.
1. Introduction
2. Heterometallic Hydride Design and Characterization
3. Amplification in Catalysis
4. Summary and Outlook
Key words
heterometallics - cooperativity - hydrofunctionalization - hydrides - Lewis acids
- base metals
