Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Hydroalkoxylation'
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Ferrand, Laura. "Hydrofonctionnalisations de liaisons multiples carbone-carbone catalysées par des complexes à base de métaux non nobles." Thesis, Paris 6, 2017. http://www.theses.fr/2017PA066348/document.
Full textThis PhD work has focused on the development of new methodologies in catalysis based on non-noble metals: cobalt and niobium. These two metals have been used to catalyze hydrofunctionalization reactions of carbon‒carbon multiple bonds. The aim of those projects was to propose competitive catalytic systems based on non-precious metals and to promote their use compared to other rare and expensive metals. To this end, we successfully demonstrated that a well-defined cobalt complexe HCo(PMe3)4 is an efficient catalyst for regio- and stereoselective hydroboration reactions of internal alkynes, as well as diboration reactions. Also, a new catalytic system based on cationic niobium(V) has been developed and used to catalyze intramolecular hydrofunctionalization reactions leading to the synthesis of a large family of heterocycles. In order to reveal even more the potential of niobium in catalysis, we aimed to propose a chiral system able to catalyze enantioselective hydroalkoxylation of alkenes. Despite the promising results, some more efforts on the optimization of this system still need to be done
Brinkmann, Christine. "Heavier group 2 metals : application to intermolecular hydroamination, C-F activation and intramolecular hydroalkoxylation." Thesis, Imperial College London, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10044/1/9155.
Full textSoklou, Kossi Efouako. "Synthèse d'hétérospirocycles par hydroaminations et hydroalkoxylations d'alcynes catalysées par l'or (I) - Méthodologie et application au développement de fragments spirocycliques pour la chimie médicinale." Thesis, Orléans, 2020. http://www.theses.fr/2020ORLE3066.
Full textThe synthesis of spiro [4.5] or [5.5] nitrogen or oxygen containing molecules with a bond between the carbon spirocenter and the nitrogen or oxygen atom remains a challenge, even if these fragments are represented in nature as well as in the therapeutic arsenal. To overcome this constraint, we have developed a general method of gold (I) catalyzed spirocyclization through the hydroamination or hydroalkoxylation of alkynes. In the first part of this thesis, we optimized spirocycle formation in both the nitrogen and oxygen series using conditions based on JohnPhosAu(CH3CN)SbF6 with unsubstituted alkynes. This also gave access to original tricyclic spirocycles by cascade reactions. We then demonstrated the robustness of our method with respect to chiral compounds. In the second part of this work, the spirocyclization method was extended to di-substituted alkynes using the combined JohnPhosAuCl/AgNTf2 catalyst. In the third part, we transformed our different spirocycles to increase molecular diversity. Intramolecular Mizoroki-Heck reactions provided original and stable tetracyclic spirocycles while other reactions such as double bond reduction increased both stability and 3D molecular space. With these fragments in hand, a medicinal chemistry program was initiated and spirocyclic compounds were developed as selective kinase inhibitors
Carlino, Romain. "Réactions intramoléculaires de formation de liaison carbone – oxygène, sur des systèmes insaturés non activés, catalysées par des complexes de terres rares." Thesis, Université Paris-Saclay (ComUE), 2016. http://www.theses.fr/2016SACLS317.
Full textThis thesis is focused on intramolecular carbon-oxygen bond formation of non-activated alkenes and allenes by hydroalkoxylation or hydroacylalkoxylation reactions catalyzed by rare earths complexes.Firstly, the racemic version of these reactions catalyzed by two different systems has been studied: tri-alkyls and triflate rare earth. In this study, different steric or electronic effects and different substitutions on insaturations have been evaluated. For both systems, Markovnikov selectivity was evidenced; two different mechanisms for each system have been proposed. Indeed, in addition to the Lewis acid properties, the fact that rare earth alkyls are also Brønsted bases, could explain the difference of catalytic behavior of these systems.Thereafter, enantioselective versions of these reactions have been studied. For that, different chiral ligands have been associated on scandium triflate; on the other hand, new mono-alkyl binaphtholate complexes from tri-alkyl complexes have been synthesized. Therewith, cyclic ethers have been obtained with enantiomeric excesses up to 34%.As triflate rare earths have shown an excellent activity and yttrium and scandium mono-alkyl binaphtholate led to encouraging enantioselectivity, it has been proposed to create a new rare earth complex with chiral ligand associated with ionic bonds; the first tests of scandium and yttrium binaphtholate monotriflate preparation are very promising.Finally, in the frame of a collaboration, new rare earth complexes bearing ligands derived from BINAM have been synthesized and a HMBC ¹H/¹ ⁵N NMR study have been realized to determine the strength of the different carbon-nitrogen bonds. These chiral complexes have been especially used to highlight the concept of relay ligand with one pot consequent metallocatalyzed and organocatalyzed reactions
Paintner, Tobias [Verfasser], Florian [Akademischer Betreuer] Klappenberger, Florian [Gutachter] Klappenberger, and Sabine [Gutachter] Maier. "Novel Reaction Pathways through On-Surface Conditions: Tunneling-mediated Hydroalkoxylation and Gas-induced Deprotonation / Tobias Paintner ; Gutachter: Florian Klappenberger, Sabine Maier ; Betreuer: Florian Klappenberger." München : Universitätsbibliothek der TU München, 2019. http://d-nb.info/1187444057/34.
Full textYang, Jing. "Synthèse et évaluation en catalyse asymétrique de nouveaux complexes de terres rares." Thesis, Paris 11, 2012. http://www.theses.fr/2012PA112381.
Full textThis thesis is mainly devoted to the development of two families of rare earths chiral binaphtolate complex and their application in asymmetric catalysis such as Michael addition, Henry reaction, Strecker reaction and hydroalkoxylation reaction. At first, the preparation of a new family of rare earth bisbinaphtolate complexes has been optimized with complete characterizations including NMR, IR, mass spectroscopy and XRD studies on isolated single crystals. These new rare earths complexes are relative stable which can be used under air condition. The catalytic behavior of these new heterobimetallic complexes have been studied in detail: an isoinversion temperature was determined and the nonlinear effect was observed for asymmetric Michael additions of malonates on enones wich lead products with enantiomeric excess up to 83%. Secondly, a family of rare earth monobinaphtolate monoalkyl complexs has been synthesized and characterized. The first XRD structure of this family of complex was obtained. Steric substitutions of binaphtolate ligands on position 3,3’ have been proven to be essential for the formation of these complex. The selectivity of reaction of hydroalkoxylation of allene was studied with a proposed mechanism. First examples of asymmetric hydroalkoxylation of alkene catalyzed by rare earth complexes have been achieved by our rare earth monoalkyl monobinaphtolate complex
Vuong, Khuong Quoc Chemistry Faculty of Science UNSW. "Metal complex catalysed C-X (X = S, O and N) bond formation." Awarded by:University of New South Wales. Chemistry, 2006. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/23015.
Full textIlg, Marina Kristina [Verfasser], Alois [Akademischer Betreuer] Fürstner, and Norbert [Gutachter] Krause. "Enantioinversion in der Gold(I)-katalysierten Hydroalkoxylierung von Allenen & Studien zur Totalsynthese von Chagosensine : Enantioinversion in the gold(I)-catalyzed hydroalkoxylation of allenes & studies toward the total synthesis of chagosensine / Marina Kristina Ilg ; Gutachter: Norbert Krause ; Betreuer: Alois Fürstner." Dortmund : Universitätsbibliothek Dortmund, 2017. http://d-nb.info/1128903466/34.
Full textElla, Ndong Guy Judicaël. "Synthèses régiosélectives d'hétérocycles porteurs d'un groupement perfluoroalkyle." Thesis, Tours, 2015. http://www.theses.fr/2015TOUR4036/document.
Full textFluorinated heterocyclic compounds can be found among potent pharmaceuticals,crop protection agents, and products of technical importance. This mergingarea of organic, heterocyclic, and fluoroorganic chemistry is still rapidly growing andin the past decades a large number of fluorinated heterocyclic materials have been discovered. In this work, an efficient and original method was developed for the synthesis of 3,3-dialkoxy propionate bearing a perfluoroalkyl group in b-position from fluorinated alkyne and alcohols using base-catalyzed double Michael addition reaction. This method provides easy access to a-perfluoro ketals with reasonable to good yields with total regioselectivity. This procedure was extended to the phenol derivatives, and a fluorinated enol ether derivatives were selectively synthesized. The use of catechol and derivative allowed the synthesis of fluorinated heterocycles such as benzo[1,3]dioxoles, benzo[1,3]oxazoles and benzo[1,3]oxothiazoles. Copper-catalyzed annulation of aromatic and heteroaromatic b-iodo-a,b-unsaturated carboxylic acids with fluorinated alkyne 1 was developed. This strategy offers a simple and efficient route for the synthesis of isocoumarins and indolo[2,3-c]pyrane-1-ones. This family of compounds are known to have various biological properties; indolo[2,3-c]pyrane-1-one derivatives exhibit anti-cancer potential towards human cervix adenocarcinoma and antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity. Fluorinated pyrane-2H-ones bearing an iodine atom in position 5 have been also described. The a-pyrones constitute an important class of biologically active compounds
Wang, Ya-Po, and 王雅柏. "Density Functional Theory Study of Base-Assisted Intramolecular Alkyne Hydroalkoxylation." Thesis, 2013. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/77387944884792309771.
Full text高雄醫學大學
醫藥暨應用化學研究所
101
Oxygen-containing heterocycles are present in a wide range of bioactive products. Synthesis methods of such heterocycle are growing importance. The addition of O-H nucleophile to alkyne represents one of the great methods. In this thesis, density functional theory of M06-2X/6-31+G* theory level was employed to investigate the base-assisted intra-molecular alkyne hydroalkoxylation reaction. It is assumed that there are two possible pathways; the “alkyne path” in which the cyclization directly occurs via the nucleophilic addition of the hydroxyl group on the alkyne, and the “allene path” where the allene intermediate is formed prior to the cyclization. Four terminal substituents (including hydrogen, phenyl, anisole and trifluoromethyl benzene) have been calculated.Our calculations show that, in the absence of the K2CO3 the intramolecular cyclization reaction cannot take place. For all the four molecular systems under investigation, the allene pathway is more favorable.
Nagaraju, CH. "Construction of Complex Polycyclic Systems using Gold Catalyzed Intramolecular Diyne/Enyne/ Hydroalkoxylation Reactions." Thesis, 2015. http://etd.iisc.ernet.in/2005/3840.
Full textDuncan, Alethea. "Gold(I)-Catalyzed Hydrofunctionilzations of Allenes with Nitrogen and Oxygen Nucleophiles." Diss., 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10161/5654.
Full textThe importance of nitrogen-containing compounds in human life has drawn us to focus on the preparation of amine derivatives, combined with the limitations associated with traditional methods for the formation of C-N bonds has prompted us to develop new and efficient syntheses, of amine and ether derivatives and explore the mechanisms of the gold(I)-catalyzed reactions.
A mixture of AuCl[P(t-Bu)2o-biphenyl] (5 mol %) and AgOTf (5 mol %) served as an effective catalyst for the intermolecular hydroamination of allenes with arylamines to form N-prenylaniline and N,N-diprenylaniline derivatives. This gold(I)-catalyzed protocol was effective for the formation of arylamines at non-forcing conditions with wide substrate scope in both allene and aniline, in high yields with good regioselectivity diastereoselectivity.
The mechanism of the gold(I)-catalyzed hydroalkoxylation and hydroamination of alcohols and carbamates with allenes, catalyzed by AuIPrCl (IPr= 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidine) and AgOTf was investigated. The experimental rate laws for both reactions indicate first-order behavior in nucleophile and catalyst and zero-order behavior in catalyst. We propose an outer-sphere mechanism with turnover limiting protonolysis for the gold(I)-catalyzed hydrofunctionalization of allenes with alcohols or carbamates based on kinetic isotope effect, saturation behavior, and stereochemical analysis of hydroalkoxylation.
The mechanism of gold(I)-catalyzed hydroamination of allenes with arylamines was examined. Specifically, we explored the hydroamination of 3-methy-1,2-butadiene with aniline catalyzed by AuCl[P(t-Bu)2o-biphenyl] (5 mol %) and AgOTf (5 mol %) in dioxane at 45 °C to form N-prenylaniline and N,N-diprenylaniline. The kinetics of this reaction were determined to be first-order in aniline, allene, and catalyst. We have concluded that the mechanism for the gold(I)-catalyzed intermolecular hydroamination of allenes with arylamines involves outer-sphere attack of aniline on the gold--allene complex based on stereochemical analysis of the hydroamination product from the reaction of an enantiomerically enriched allene, (R)-1-phenyl-1,2-butadiene, with 3-bromoaniline.
Dissertation
Harris, Robert Joseph. "Mechanistic Investigations of Gold(I) Catalyzed Hydrofunctionalizations of C-C Multiple Bonds." Diss., 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10161/9925.
Full textCationic gold(I) complexes containing phosphine and N-heterocyclic carbene based ligands are a powerful catalysts for the hydrofunctionalization of C-C multiple bonds with carbon and heteroatom based nucleophiles as well as the cycloisomerization of enynes and related π-systems. Mechanisms involving outer sphere, nucleophilic attack an activated gold π-complex are typically invoked for both hydrofunctionalizations and cycloisomerizations, however, direct experimental evidence for these mechanisms remain limited.
Gold(I) catalyzed allene racemization is an important background reaction in the hydrofunctionalization of 1,3 disubstituted allenes. It can compromise chirality transfer or be exploited to realized stereoconvergent synthesis of allylic alcohols and amines. The kinetics of the racemization of aromatic 1,3-disubstituted allenes catalyzed by gold(I) phosphine complexes has been investigated. The rate of racemization displayed first order dependence on allene and gold concentration. Kinetic analysis gold(I) catalyzed racemization of allenes as a function of allene and phosphine donor ability established a depletion of electron density on the terminal allene carbons and an accumulation of electron density on the phosphine ligand in the rate-limiting transition state.
Investigation of the mechanism of gold(I) catalyzed hydrofunctionalization of allenes with alcohols, carbamates, and anilines established a variable catalyst resting state depending on the equilibrium binding affinities of the nucleophile and the relative concentrations of allene and nucleophile that are employed. Reversible C-X bond formation may explain the difference in regioselectivity observed for hydroalkoxylation and hydroamination with carbamates. Additionally, in situ analysis of the hydrofunctionalization of enatiopure 1,3-disubstituted allenes for enatiopurity of the allene and product ruled out trapping of an achiral η1-intermediate and established concomitant allene racemization as the cause of loss of enatiopurity.
Finally we report the two gold(I) carbene complexes not stabilized by π-conjugated heteroatoms. First, we report the hydride abstraction from a neutral gold cycloheptatrienyl complex that was isolated and characterized in solution and by single crystal X-ray diffraction. This complex represents the first example of a gold carbenoid complex that lacks conjugated heteroatom stabilization. Second we report the synthesis of the first gold(I) vinylidene via hydride abstraction from a gold (disilyl)ethylacetylide complex to form a cationic β,β-disilacyclopentyl vinylidene complex. The C1 and C2 carbon atoms of the vinylidene complex underwent facile interconversion presumably through the gold π-disilacyclohexyne.
Dissertation
Spasyuk, Denis M. "POCN-type Pincer Complexes of NiII and NiIII : synthesis, reactivities, catalytic activities and physical properties." Thèse, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/1866/4659.
Full textThis thesis describes the synthesis, characterization, reactivities, and physical properties of divalent and trivalent complexes of Nickel based on new POCN-type pincer ligands. The amino-type POCN ligands were prepared in a simple and efficient manner via reductive amination of 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde with NaBH4 and various amines, followed by phosphination of the resulting amino alcohol to install the phosphinite (OPR2) functionality. The imino-type POCN ligand 1,3-(i-Pr)2PC6H4C(H)=N(CH2Ph) was prepared similarly using PhCH2NH2 in the absence of NaBH4. Reaction of these POCN-type pincer ligands with NiBr2(CH3CN)x in the presence of a base results in the high yield cyclometalation of the C-H bond which is ortho to the amine and phosphinite functionalities. The base was found to be essential for a clean and high yield formation of the desired pincer complexes. We have thus prepared square planar POCN-type pincer complexes (POCNRR΄)NiBr featuring tertiary or secondary amine moieties that exhibit different reactivities as a function of amine substituents R and R΄. For instance, complexes bearing the tertiary amine moieties ArCH2NR2 (NR2= NMe2, NEt2, and morpholinyl) displayed interesting redox properties and could be converted into their trivalent analogues (POCNR2)NiBr2 when reacted with Br2 or N-bromosuccinimide (NBS). These 17-electron, paramagnetic trivalent complexes adopt a distorted square pyramidal geometry with Br atoms at axial and equatorial positions. DSC and TGA analyses of these compounds revealed them to be thermally stable up to ~170 °C; whereas absorption spectroscopy in solution showed that they undergo thermal decomposition at much lower temperatures to regenerate the monobromo divalent complexes; increased steric bulk of the amine substituents accelerate this decomposition pathway significantly. The NMe2 and N(morpholinyl) analogues of these NiIII species are active catalysts for the Kharasch addition of CX4 to olefins such as styrene, whereas the least thermally stable analogue (POCNEt2)Ni was found to be completely inert for this reaction. The complexes (POCNRH)NiBr featuring secondary amine moieties allow access to unsymmetrically substituted amine moieties via reaction with alkyl halides. Another important advantage of these complexes lies in the possibility of deprotonation to prepare amide-type POCN complexes. Such attempts at deprotonating the NRH moieties have allowed us to prepare dimeric species featuring bridging amido ligands. The dimeric nature of these complexes [P,C,N,N-(2,6-(i-Pr)2PC6H3CH2NR)Ni]2 (R= PhCH2 and Ph) was established through X-ray diffraction studies that showed different geometries for the Ni2N2 cores as a function of N-substituent: the (PhCH2)N analogue featured a syn orientation of the benzyl substituents and a cyclobutane-like arrangement of Ni and of the nitrogen atoms, whereas the PhN analogue adopted a nearly planar diamond-like arrangement of the Ni and of the nitrogen atoms and an anti orientation of the phenyl substituents. These dimeric species do not dissociate in the presence of alcohols, but they promote the catalytic alcoholysis of acrylonitrile. Interestingly, yields of these reactions are higher with alcohols possessing more acidic O-H moieties, with a catalytic turnover number reaching up to 2000 in the case of m-cresol. These alcoholysis reactions are believed to proceed through heterolytic activation of the alcohol by dimeric species via hydrogen bonding with one or two amido moieties in the dimer. The dimeric Ni (II) species were found to undergo facile oxidation both electrochemically and in reaction with NBS or Br2. Surprisingly, chemical oxidation led to isolation of new monomeric products in which both the metallic center and the ligand were oxidized. giving a trivalent species featuring an imine-type POCN ligand. Oxidation mechanism was investigated in detail by NMR, UV-vis-NIR, DFT and spectroelectrochemistry.
Salah, Abderrahmen. "Complexes pinceurs de type POCOP de Nickel (II) : synthèse, caractérisation, réactivité et applications catalytiques." Thèse, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/1866/6033.
Full textThis thesis describes the synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and the catalytic activities of a new family of pincer complexes of Ni (II) starting from the ligand POCOPPh (P,C,P-2,6-{Ph2PO}2C6H4) for which very few nickel complexes have been reported previsouly. We discuss the influence of P-substituents on the spectroscopic, electrochemical and catalytic activities of these complexes. The synthesis of POCOPPh has been improved comparatively to the procedure reported in the literature by reducing the reaction time to 30 minutes and the temperature to room temperature. The complex (P,C,P-2,6-{Ph2PO}2C6H3)NiBr was obtained with 88% yield by reacting the precursor NiBr2(NCCH3)x with POCOPPh . This complex was then reacted with various silver and potassium salts to give the following complexes (POCOPPh)NiCN, (POCOPPh)NiOTf, (POCOPPh)NiOAc and (POCOPPh)NiONO2 (OTf = triflate et OAc = acetate). The limited reactivity of the bromo derivative led us to use (POCOPPh)NiOTf for the preparation of some of the desired derivatives, such as (POCOPPh)NiCCPh. Attempts to prepare the desired alkyl derivatives (POCOPPh)NiR were not successful, but we were able to detect these derivatives using NMR. The thermal instability of (POCOPPh)NiR led to formation of new (POCOPPh)NiX complexes by halogen exchange with MgX2 or (POCOPPh)NiOH by hydrolysis. The cationic species [(POCOPPh)NiNCR][OTf] (R = Me, CHCH2, CHCHMe, C(Me)CH2, NCCH2CH2N(Ph)H) also were obtained easily from the (POCOPPh)NiOTf with good yields. All these complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C{1H} 31P{1H}, 19F{1H}), IR spectroscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy. For most complexes analysis by X-ray diffraction allowed us to establish their solid state structures. A few studies by cyclic voltammetry have been done to determine the electronic density of the metal center and the P-substituent influence on this characteristic. In order to investigate the effect of phosphine substituents on the catalytic activities of this type of complexes, catalytic studies were undertaken with the following two complexes (POCOPPh)NiOTf and (POCOPi-Pr)NiOTf in hydroamination of activated olefins specifically acrylonitrile. After optimization of experimental conditions, it was found that both complexes have similar activities but what makes a huge difference is the use of additives. Indeed, (POCOPi-Pr)NiOTf showed good catalytic activity in the presence of triethylamine as base but this activity decreased significantly in the presence of water. The opposite was observed with (POCOPPh)NiOTf complex: it was shown that triethylamine coordinates to the nickel center in this complex and hence reduces its activity in some cases. We Also explored other reactions such as the addition of the O-H bond in aromatic alcohols to acrylonitrile, and it was surprising that (POCOPPh)NiOTf is much more active than its homologous (POCOPi-Pr)-NiOTf. However aliphatic alcohols remain a major challenge for this kind of complex. Mechanistic studies suggest that this reaction passes through the following intermediates (POCOPPh)NiOAr and [(POCOPPh)NiOAr][HOAr]. These species were observed by NMR but not isolated.
Lefèvre, Xavier. "Complexes pinceurs de cobalt et de nickel : synthèse, caratérisation, réactivité." Thèse, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/1866/5085.
Full textA large variety of new POCOP pincer type complexes of cobalt and nickel have been prepared. All those complexes are based on the following POCOP pincer type ligand: 2,6-(i-Pr2PO)2C6H4 In the case of cobalt, a new synthetic pathway has been developped. Unlike nickel, complexes containing cobalt in the +III oxidation state are obtained, the mechanism of their formation remains unknown. These complexes are paramagnetic. The dibromo derivative is light-sensitive, decomposing by losing a bromine to form the Co(II) pincer complex. The reactivity of those complexes has been studied. Concerning nickel, the catalyzed hydroamination has been extended to the derivates of acrylonitrile, crotonitrile and methacrylonitrile and to aromatic amines. Moreover, hydroaryloxylation reaction has been studied under the same conditions. Finally, amidines formation was obtained with 4-cyanostyrene and with cinnamonitrile. A pincer complex bearing this amidine moiety has been isolated. The cationic complex reacts with strong coordinating anions like cyanide and isocyanate. Moreover, the triflate anion is displaced by water, acrylonitrile and acrylonitrile derivates. Finally, a particular reactivity has been observed with morpholine, acetone and a 1:1 mixture of aniline and triethylamine.
Lapointe, Sébastien. "Complexes cationiques POCOP de nickel : synthèse, caractérisation, réactivité et étude catalytique." Thèse, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/1866/16085.
Full textThis thesis describes the chemistry of nickel (II) cationic pincer complexes bearing a POCOP ligand. The content is divided into two parts. The first part (chapter 2) concerns the synthesis, characterization and reactivities of nickel (II) cationic POCOP pincer complexes with an acetonitrile ligand coordinated to the metal center via the nitrile moiety, [(R-POCOPR’)Ni(NCMe)][OSO2CF3] where R is a ring substituent and R’ is a P-substituent (R’ = iPr : R = H (1), p-Me(2), p-OMe(3), p-CO2Me(4), p-Br(5), m,m-tBu2(6), m-OMe(7), m-CO2Me(8); R’ = t-Bu : R = H (9), p-CO2Me(10)). The cationic complexes are synthetized by reacting the neutral nickel (II) bromide derivatives R-(POCOPR’)Ni-Br with Ag(OSO2CF3) in acetonitrile at room temperature. The impact of R and R’ groups of the POCOP ligand on the structure and electronic proprieties of the complexes has been studied by NMR, UV-Vis and IR spectroscopy, as well as by single crystal x-ray diffraction studies and cyclic voltammetry measurements. The observed ν(C≡N) values were found to increase with the increasing electron-withdrawing nature of R, i.e., in the order 7 < 3 ~ 2 ~ 6 < 1 < 5 ~ 8 < 4 and 9 < 10. This trend is consistent with the anticipation that enhanced electrophilicity of the nickel center should result in an increase in net MeCN→Ni σ-donation. It is also interesting to note that all cationic complexes show a much higher Ni(II)/Ni(III) oxidation potential than their neutral Ni-Br analogues. Following this, an equilibrium study is presented that shows the facile exchange of the MeCN/Br ligands between the charge-neutral and cationic complexes (R-POCOPR’)NiBr and [(R-POCOPR’)Ni(NCMe)][OSO2CF3]. The second part of this thesis consists of two chapters describing, respectively, structural studies that are relevant to our understanding of the mechanism of hydroamination reactions promoted by the title complexes (chapter 3), and reactivity and kinetic studies aimed at understanding the impact of different variables (R and R’; temperature; substrates; solvent; etc.) on the Michael-type hydroamination and hydroalkoxylation of acrylonitrile and its substituted derivatives (chapter 4). Chapter 3 will also discuss the attempted synthesis of new amine and nitrile POCOP cationic and neutral complexes, as well as the facile displacement of the amine moiety by a nitrile.