The synthesis and structure of [Zn(TEMPO)2]2 and [Zn(μ-H)(μ2-η1:η1-TEMPO)]6

Abstract

The commercially available radical TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yloxy) reacts with [ZnCp*₂] (1) to yield the homoleptic compound [Zn(TEMPO)₂]₂ (2) through coupling of two Cp* radicals. Compound 1 reacts with H₂ to afford the hydride complex [Zn(μ-H)(μ²-η¹-η¹-TEMPO)]₆ (3) featuring a planar Zn₆H₆ ring in the solid state. Preliminary data suggest that the formation of 3 proceeds via a radical mechanism.