Diverse Reactivity of a Ca(I) Synthon

Abstract

Low-valent MgI complexes like (BDI)Mg−Mg(BDI) have found wide-spread application as specialty reducing agents (BDI=β-diketiminate). Also their redox reactivity was extensively investigated. In contrast, attempts to isolate similar CaI complexes led to reduction of the aromatic solvents or N2. Complex (DIPePBDI)Ca(μ6,μ6-C6H6)Ca(DIPePBDI) (VIII) should be regarded a CaII complex with a bridging C6H62− dianion (DIPePBDI=HC[C(Me)N-DIPeP]2, DIPeP=2,6-C(H)Et2-phenyl). It can react as a CaI synthon by releasing benzene and two electrons. Herein we describe the reactivity of VIII with benzene, biphenyl, naphthalene, anthracene, COT, Ph3SiCl, PhSiH3, a (BDI)AlI2 complex, H2, PhX (X=F, Cl, Br, I), tBuOH and tBuCH2I. The C6H62− dianion in VIII can react as a 2e− source, a nucleophile or a Brønsted base. In some cases radical reactivity cannot be excluded. Crystal structures of (DIPePBDI)Ca(μ8,μ8-COT)Ca(DIPePBDI) (1) and [(DIPePBDI)CaX ⋅ (THF)]2 (X=F, Cl, Br, I) (2–5) are described.