Abstract: | Described is a systematic comparison of factors impacting the relative rates and selectivities of C(sp3)?C and C(sp3)?O bond‐forming reactions at high‐valent Ni as a function of oxidation state. Two Ni complexes are compared: a cationic octahedral NiIV complex ligated by tris(pyrazolyl)borate and a cationic octahedral NiIII complex ligated by tris(pyrazolyl)methane. Key features of reactivity/selectivity are revealed: 1) C(sp3)?C(sp2) bond‐forming reductive elimination occurs from both centers, but the NiIII complex reacts up to 300‐fold faster than the NiIV, depending on the reaction conditions. The relative reactivity is proposed to derive from ligand dissociation kinetics, which vary as a function of oxidation state and the presence/absence of visible light. 2) Upon the addition of acetate (AcO?), the NiIV complex exclusively undergoes C(sp3)?OAc bond formation, while the NiIII analogue forms the C(sp3)?C(sp2) coupled product selectively. This difference is rationalized based on the electrophilicity of the respective M?C(sp3) bonds, and thus their relative reactivity towards outer‐sphere SN2‐type bond‐forming reactions. |