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Complex (PNP)NbCl 2 (N[ t Bu]Ar) (1) (PNP − = N[2-P i Pr 2 -4-methylphenyl] 2 ; Ar = 3,5-Me 2 C 6 H 3 ) reacts with one equiv. of NaN 3 to form a mixture of (PNPN)NbCl 2 (N[ t Bu]Ar) (2) and (PNP)NbN(N[ t Bu]Ar) (3), both of which have been spectroscopically and crystallographically characterized, including 15 N isotopic labelling studies. Complex 3 represents the first structurally characterized example of a neutral and mononuclear Nb nitride. Independent studies established 3 to form via two-electron reduction of 2, whereas oxidation of 3 by two-electrons reversed the process. Computational studies suggest the transmetallation step to produce the intermediate [(PNP)NbCl(N 3 )(N[ t Bu]Ar)] (A) which extrudes N 2 to form the phosphinimide [(PNPN)NbCl(N[ t Bu]Ar)] (B) followed by disproportionation to 2 and low-valent [(PNPN)Nb(N[ t Bu]Ar)] (C). The latter then undergoes intramolecular N-atom transfer to form the nitride moiety in 3. 

Abstract Decarbonylation along with P‐atom transfer from the phosphaethynolate anion, PCO⁻, to the Nb^IVcomplex [(PNP)NbCl₂(N^tBuAr)] (1) (PNP=N[2‐PⁱPr₂‐4‐methylphenyl]₂⁻; Ar=3,5‐Me₂C₆H₃) results in its coupling with one of the phosphine arms of the pincer ligand to produce a phosphanylidene phosphorane complex [(PNPP)NbCl(N^tBuAr)] (2). Reduction of2with CoCp*₂cleaves the P−P bond to form the first neutral and terminal phosphido complex of a group 5 transition metal, namely, [(PNP)Nb≡P(N^tBuAr)] (3). Theoretical studies have been used to understand both the coupling of the P‐atom and the reductive cleavage of the P−P bond. Reaction of3with a two‐electron oxidant such as ethylene sulfide results in a diamagnetic sulfido complex having a P−P coupled ligand, namely [(PNPP)Nb=S(N^tBuAr)] (4).