Preparation and reactivity of a square-planar PNP cobalt(ii)–hydrido complex: isolation of the first {Co–NO}8–hydride

Abstract

The synthesis of a square-planar cobalt(II) hydrido complex supported by a pyrrole-based PNP ligand has been reinvestigated and its reactivity with various small molecules examined. Preparation of the complex was accomplished by treatment of the corresponding chloride complex, [CoCl(^tBuPNP)] (^tBuPNP = anion of 2,5-bis((di-tert-butylphosphino)methyl)pyrrole), with di-iso-butylaluminum hydride (DIBAL). Reaction of [CoCl(^tBuPNP)] with other hydride sources such as NaEt₃BH and LiAlH₄ resulted in mixtures of the desired Co(II) hydride along with the reduced Co(I) species, [Co(N₂)(^tBuPNP)], as the primary product. The hydride complex exhibits facile migratory insertion chemistry with CO₂ producing the corresponding Co(II) formate complex. When the Co–H complex is reacted with nitric oxide, the first example of a cobalt nitrosyl hydride complex is produced.