Synthesis
DOI: 10.1055/a-2760-0113
Short Review

Nickel-Catalyzed Alkene–Imine Couplings via Nickelacycles

Authors

  • Wen-Jing Nan

    1   Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12538)
  • Yue-Na Duan

    1   Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12538)
  • Li-Jun Xiao

    1   Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12538)

We thank the National Key R&D Program of China (2022YFA1503200), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 22201140, 22471134), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. 63253145), and the Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations for financial support.
Supported by: National Natural Science Foundation of China 22201140,22471134 Supported by: Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations Supported by: National Key R&D Program of China 2022YFA1503200


Graphical Abstract

Abstract

This review highlights recent advances in nickel-catalyzed alkene–imine couplings proceeding via nickelacycle intermediates. Ongoing progress in ligand development, catalyst design, and reaction optimization has enabled the efficient and highly regio- and stereoselective synthesis of allylamines and alkylamines, as well as unlocked novel transformations such as hydroaminoalkylation. These methodologies feature broad substrate scope, practical scalability, and improved selectivity control, thereby expanding the synthetic toolbox for constructing functional molecules in medicinal, materials, and process chemistry. Current limitations and future perspectives of these transformations are also discussed.



Publication History

Received: 24 September 2025

Accepted after revision: 28 November 2025

Article published online:
18 December 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany