The formation of dinitrogen dinuclear end-on complexes of late transition first row metals is of interest for increasing the reactivity of this normally refractory molecule. Reduction of CoCl2 in the presence of 3 equivalents of PEt3 with KC8 in THF under N2 at room temperature gives high yield of (Et3P)3CoNNCo(PEt3)3. X-ray diffraction shows a lengthened N-N bond which indicates a strong reduction of the dinitrogen. The reactivity of the apparently zerovalent cobalt complex (Et3P)3CoNNCo(PEt3)3 is studied in two directions, (i) its potential as reductant and (ii) and the conversion of the bound dinitrogen into value-added products. The former is studied towards reducible nitrogen-rich heterocycles with the loss of N2. The latter is investigated with a variety of alkynes, seeking N-heterocycles.

Dinitrogen activation by a zerovalent cobalt complex: Exploiting its reducing power

251st National Meeting (2016)

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