Magnetic Nickel‐Containing Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Heck Reaction: Catalyst Design, Performance, and Sustainability

Heck reaction is one of the key processes for forming carbon-carbon bonds in modern organic synthesis and is typically catalyzed by palladium complexes. In recent years, considerable attention has been devoted to the use of nickel as a cocatalyst/modifier alongside palladium as well as the active component in hybrid systems; in particular, magnetic nickel-based nanocatalysts, owing to their high specific surface area, good tolerance toward various functional groups, and easy recovery using a magnetic field, are considered efficient and recyclable options for palladium-catalyzed Heck reactions. This review summarizes recent advances in the design, synthesis, and application of nickel-based magnetic nanocatalysts, with a focus on systems combined with palladium (including nanocomposites, Ni-Pd bimetallic structures, and supported hybrid nanostructures) in the Heck reaction. In many cases, the highlighted catalysts exhibit high yields and desirable recyclability under mild conditions (including aqueous or solvent-free media). Strategies such as surface functionalization, the use of synergistic supports like graphene oxide, silica, and carbon nanotubes, and the engineering of bimetallic/multimetallic systems (to enhance performance alongside palladium) are also discussed. This review covers studies from 2013 to 2025.