The interaction of N,N′-bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene with o-benzosemiquinonato zinc(ii) and indium(iii) complexes

Abstract

The N-heterocyclic carbene N,N′-bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (NHC) interacts with non-transition metal complexes bearing redox-active o-benzosemiquinonato ligands in two ways: as a neutral donor or as a reducer. The reaction of NHC with (3,6-SQ)₂Zn·Et₂O gives the carbene adduct (3,6-SQ)₂Zn·{CN(Me₂Ph)(CH)₂N(Me₂Ph)} (1) while reaction with (3,6-SQ)₃In forms the ionic complex [(3,6-SQ)₂(3,6-Cat)In]⁻ {HCN(Me₂Ph)(CH)₂N(Me₂Ph)}⁺ (2) as the main product.