Catalytic C-F bond activation of geminal difluorocyclopropanes by nickel(I) complexes via a radical mechanism.

Nickel(II) fluorido complexes bearing NNN-pincer ligands were found to be catalysts in the hydrodefluorination of geminal difluorocyclopropanes which undergo ring-opening to form the corresponding monofluoroalkenes in good yield and high Z-selectivities. Evidence for a radical based mechanism involving nickel(I) and nickel hydrido complexes as key intermediates was obtained in the corresponding stoichiometric reactions.