[(C5Me5)2U][(μ-Ph)2BPh2] as a four electron reductant

Abstract

Examination of the reactivity of [(C₅Me₅)₂U][(μ-Ph)₂BPh₂] as a “blank” for comparison with the four- and eight-electron reductive chemistry of the sterically crowded (C₅Me₅)₃U and [(C₅Me₅)₂U]₂(C₆H₆) complexes revealed that the tetraphenylborate complex surprisingly functions as a four-electron reductant by combining [BPh₄]¹⁻ and U(III) reduction; all three complexes cleave the NN bond in PhNNPh to form the bis(organoimido) U(VI) complex, (C₅Me₅)₂U(NPh)₂, and they also reduce PhCCPh to form (C₅Me₅)₂U(C₄Ph₄).