X-ray spectroscopic and diffraction study of the structure of the active species in the Ni-II-catalyzed polymerization of isocyanides

Abstract

The structure of the active complex in the Ni-cotolyzed polymerization of isocyonides to give polyisocyanides is investigated. It is shown by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), including EXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine structure) and XANES (X-ray absorption near edge structure), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, to contain a carbene-like ligand. This is the first structural characterization of a crucial intermediate in the so-coiled merry-go-round mechanism for Ni-catolyzed isocyanide polymerization.