Neutral and anionic zinc compounds supported by a bis(imino)phenyl NCN ligand

Abstract

The new zinc complexes 2,6-(ArNCH)₂C₆H₃ZnBu (6) and 2,6-(ArNCH)₂C₆H₃ZnCl₂Li(THF)₃ (7), supported by a bis(imino)phenyl NCN pincer ligand, were prepared (Ar = 2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃). The reaction of complex 7 with LiHBEt₃ resulted in a hydride transfer to the CN imine group to afford an unusual zinc dimer [η¹(C),κ¹(N^imine)-2-(ArNCH)-6-(Zn-N(Ar)CH₂)C₆H₃Zn]₂ (9). The latter transformation occurs via the formation of compound (η¹(C),κ¹(N)-2,6-(ArNCH)₂C₆H₃)₂Zn (8) which can also be accessed by the reduction of 7 with KC₈.