Nickel-catalyzed synthesis of Zn(i)–Zn(i) bonded compounds

Abstract

This work reports the first catalyzed synthesis of d-block metal–metal bonded complexes. The treatment of terminal zinc hydrides [LZnH] [L = CH₃C(2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃N)CHC(CH₃)(N(CH₂)_nCH₂PR₂); n = 1, 2; R = Ph, ⁱPr] in the presence of 5 mol% Ni(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ afforded Zn(I)–Zn(I) bonded compounds [L₂Zn₂] in high isolated yields with concomitant elimination of dihydrogen. Stoichiometric reactions, kinetic studies and DFT calculations were conducted to elucidate the reaction mechanism.