Organometallic complexes containing a metal-hydride bond play a central role in many well-known catalytic reactions. These highly versatile bonds can undergo a variety of reactions with a wide range of substrates, making them attractive synthetic targets for understanding the fundamental reactivity of certain catalytic systems. This has indeed been the case for many transition metal hydrides, which have been extensively studied for several decades. The chemistry of molecular s-block hydrides, however, has remained understudied due to their high reactivity. Recently, group 2 hydride compounds have garnered attention for their potential use for the reversible storage of H2, and as important synthetic moieties and catalyst intermediates in main-group-metal catalyzed reactions. Structurally characterized examples of s-block hydrides coordinated by neutral stabilizing ligands remain extremely scarce. These types of molecules are difficult to isolate using standard synthetic means, and require novel stabilization strategies which provide new ways of accessing the hydridic complexes. This presentation highlights our initial results in the pursuit of well-defined, molecular group 2 hydride compounds bound by cyclic carbenes, with a focus on magnesium and calcium. A variety of synthons towards the synthesis of the M-H species will be discussed, including initial glimpses into hitherto unknown reactivity exhibited by this class of complex.

Isolation of main group metal hydrides supported by neutral carbene ligands

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.