Homogeneous versus MOF-supported catalysis: a direct comparison of catalytic hydroboration with Ni tripodal P₃E (E = Si, Ge) complexes

The MOF material NU-1000 was employed to host Ni tripodal complexes prepared from new organometallic precursors [HNi(?(4)(E,P,P,P)-E(o-C6H4CH2PPh2)(3)], E = Si (Ni-1), Ge (Ni-2). The new heterogeneous catalytic materials, Ni-1@NU-1000 and Ni-2@NU-1000, show the advantages of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. They catalyze the hydroboration of aldehydes and ketones more efficiently than the homogeneous Ni-1 and Ni-2, under aerobic conditions and show recyclability.