Catalytic C–H Bond Alkylation of Azoles with Alkyl Halides Mediated by Nickel(II) Complexes of Phenanthridine-Based N^N – ^N Pincer Ligands

Ni­(II) complexes supported by tridentate N^N – ^N diarylamido pincer-type ligands have been demonstrated to act as active catalysts in the carbon–carbon bond forming alkylation of azoles using unactivated alkyl halides. Here, we show that benzannulated phenanthridine-containing ligands can form homogeneous Ni­(II) catalysts active with both benzoxazole and benzothiazole substrates. These precatalysts have been fully characterized in solution and the solid state, including by cyclic voltammetry.