Isolable zirconium hydride species in the reaction of amido complexes with amine–boranes

Abstract

Mono-, di- and trinuclear zirconium hydride species have been isolated in the treatment of amido complexes [Zr(η⁵-C₅Me₅)(NMe₂)_nCl_3−n] (n = 3, 1) with amine–borane adducts NHR₂BH₃ (R₂ = Me₂, HtBu). The reactions involve the formation of amidoborane ligands with Zr⋯H–B interactions which readily undergo β-hydride elimination to give hydride functions.