Dinitrogen activation by group 4 metal complexes

Abstract

Side-on matters: When dinitrogen bridges two Group 4 metal centers in the side-on binding mode, the reactivity of the N2 unit is enhanced, as evidenced by unprecedented reactions with H2, alkynes, silanes, isocyanates, and now carbon dioxide (see scheme). This Highlight summarizes a number of recent breakthroughs in dinitrogen functionalization by bimetallic Group 4 complexes, culminating with the reaction of CO2 with a dihafium dinitrogen derivative. (Chemical Equation Presented) © 2007 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.