Ligand influences on homoleptic Group 12 m-terphenyl complexes†
Abstract
Three m-terphenyl ligands 2,6-Ar2C6H3− [Ar = 2,6-Me2C6H3 (2,6-Xyl); 3,5-Me2C6H3 (3,5-Xyl); 2,3,4,5,6-Me5C6 (Pmp)] have been used to stabilise three series of two-coordinate Group 12 diaryl complexes; (2,6-Ar2C6H3)2M [M = Zn, Cd, Hg, Ar = 2,6-Xyl 1–3, 3,5-Xyl 4–6, Pmp 7–9], where differing steric demands on the metal centres are imparted. These are the first homoleptic d-block complexes featuring any of these ligands. Complexes 1–9 have been characterised in solution and the solid state; the analysis of structural changes produced by differences in ligand properties is reported. In particular, complexes 4–6 show smaller C–M–C bond angles and contain secondary ligand interactions that are not seen in the analogous complexes 1–3 and 7–9.
- This article is part of the themed collection: New Expeditions in Polar Organometallic Chemistry