Abstract: Organometallic chemistry represents a fundamental pillar of contemporary organic chemistry. However, undergraduate students often struggle to visualize the valence state transitions of metal catalysts in catalytic cycles. To bridge this pedagogical gap, we developed an innovative undergraduate experiment that synergistically combines organometallic chemistry with electrochemical techniques. This experiment employs electrical stimulation to drive a nickel catalyst through Ni(II)/Ni(I)/Ni(0) valence state cycling, facilitating efficient deuteration of silanes using D₂O as the deuterium source. The comprehensive experimental procedure encompasses reaction execution, product separation, structural characterization, and mechanistic validation, serving dual purposes of enhancing students’ understanding of organometallic principles and instilling green chemistry concepts.

Key words: Experimental teaching, Electrochemical synthesis, Organometallic chemistry, Deuterated silanes, Green chemistry