Mechanistic studies of the oxidative addition of aryl halides to ni(0) centers bearing phosphine ligands

The oxidative addition of aryl halides is a common entry point in catalytic cycles for cross-coupling and related reactions. In the case of phosphine-supported nickel(0) fragments, the formation of reactive Ni(ii)-aryl products often competes with the production of Ni(i) species. Here, recent advances in the mechanistic understanding of these reactions are highlighted. In particular, the denticity of the supporting ligand has a significant influence on the outcome of the reaction.