Facile synthesis of NHC-stabilized Ni nanoparticles and their catalytic application in the Z-selective hydrogenation of alkynes.

Well defined Ni nanoparticles (NiNPs) stabilized with N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have been synthesized through a new methodology involving the decarboxylation of a zwitterionic CO2 adduct. Their catalytic performance was tested in the partial hydrogenation of alkynes into (Z)-alkenes under very mild reaction conditions (50 °C and 5 bar H2 pressure), providing excellent activities and selectivities.