Synthesis and investigation of the metal–metal interactions in early/late heterobimetallic complexes linking group 5 imido fragments to Co(i)

Abstract

Phosphinoamide ligands have been utilized to link a Co^I center to a Nb or Ta imido fragment. The resulting heterobimetallic complexes, ICo(Ph₂PNⁱPr)₃MN^tBu, have weakened dative metal–metal interactions as a result of the strongly donating imido ligand. These complexes can be reduced by 2 electrons to generate dinitrogen-bound complexes.