Preface for Small-Molecule Activation: Carbon-Containing Fuels

Harnessing Oxidizing Potential of Nickel for Sustainable Hydrocarbon Functionalization

While the oxidative chemistry of transition metals such as iron and copper is a highly developed area of investigation, the study of similar chemistry with nickel is much younger. However, nickel offers rich coordination chemistry with oxygen and other oxidants and is a promising avenue of research for applications such as sustainable hydrocarbon functionalization. Herein, we summarize the progress made recently in nickel coordination chemistry relevant to hydrocarbon functionalization and offer our perspectives on open questions in the field.