Copolymer-incarcerated nickel nanoparticles with N-heterocyclic carbene precursors as active cross-linking agents for Corriu-Kumada-Tamao reaction.

We have developed heterogeneous polymer-incarcerated nickel nanoparticles (NPs), which catalyze cross-coupling reactions. The matrix structure of these catalysts incorporates both N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) as ligands and Ni-NPs, thanks to a new design of cross-linking agents in polymer supports. These embedded NHCs were detected by field gradient swollen-resin magic angle spinning NMR analysis. They were successfully applied to Corriu-Kumada-Tamao reactions with a broad substrate scope including functional group tolerance, and the catalyst could be recovered and reused several times without loss of activity.