AlCp* as a Directing Ligand: CH and SiH Bond Activation at the Reactive Intermediate [Ni(AlCp*)3]

As exotic as the title complexes are, and as classic as the concept of generating reactive, unsaturated intermediates [M(ER)n] is (M=d block metal; E=Al, Ga, In; R=Cp*, C(SiMe3)3), there are still many surprises to come. Some of these are shown in the unexpected reactions of [Ni(AlCp*)3] (see scheme; Cp*=C5Me5).