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Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Controlled Photoredox Ring-Opening Polymerization of O-Carboxyanhydrides Mediated by Ni/Zn Complexes
Published on: November 21, 2017
Nickel/Photoredox-Catalyzed Amidation via Alkylsilicates and Isocyanates
Shuai Zheng1, David N Primer1, Gary A Molander1
1Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States.
Abstract:
A nickel/photoredox, dual-catalyzed amidation reaction between alkylsilicate reagents and alkyl/aryl isocyanates is reported. In contrast to the previously reported reductive coupling process, this protocol is characterized by mild reaction conditions and the absence of a stoichiometric reductant. A mechanistic hypothesis involving a nickel-isocyanate adduct is proposed based on literature precedent and further validation by experimental results.
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