First-row transition metal complexes of sterically-hindered amidinates

Abstract

Complexes of sterically-hindered amidinate ligands with first-row transition metals are described. The amidinate ligands feature bulky terphenyl substituents [2,6-(2,4,6-Me₃Ph)₂Ph or 2,6-(4-^tBuPh)₂Ph] attached to the backbone carbon atoms, providing bowl-shaped ligand environments. When employing divalent transition metal halides, bis-amidinate metal complexes are formed exclusively, whereas the use of Ni(acac)₂ or CuCl allows access to mono-amidinate species. Additionally, the solid-state structure of one mono-amidinate [(L_Bu^t)Ni(acac)] and three bis-amidinate complexes [(L_Me)₂M; M = Mn, Co, Ni] are presented.