Remixing the secondary coordination sphere

Recently, the Chu/Szymczak and Drover groups independently reported the synthesis and characterization of nickel(0) complexes of distinct boron-containing bisphosphines and their application for elegant secondary-sphere activation of Lewis basic substrates: organoazides and nitriles. These reports shed light on strategies for secondary-coordination-sphere activation and highlight areas where continued innovation is warranted. Recently, the Chu/Szymczak and Drover groups independently reported the synthesis and characterization of nickel(0) complexes of distinct boron-containing bisphosphines and their application for elegant secondary-sphere activation of Lewis basic substrates: organoazides and nitriles. These reports shed light on strategies for secondary-coordination-sphere activation and highlight areas where continued innovation is warranted.