Diazoalkane complexes and related compounds from reactions of dinitrogen complexes of tungsten and molybdenum with gem-di-bromides, and from condensation of hydrazido(2–)-complexes with aldehydes

Abstract

The reactions of trans-[W(N₂)₂(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂] with gem-dibromides lead to new diazoalkane complexes. These do not react with protonic acids, but the unique diazoalkane carbons are attacked by nucleophiles, such as LiMe, to yield diazenido-complexes, some of which cannnot be obtained by conventional means. Other nucleophiles, such as Bu^tO^–, cleave the nitrogen–carbon bond. The reactions of trans-[Mo(N₂)₂(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂] with gem-dibromides are more complex, and diazoalkane complexes are, at best, minor products.