The role of neutral and radical anionic organozinc complexes in the alkylation reactions of 1,4-diaza-1,3-butadienes with diorganozinc compounds

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/om9701480

We have earlier postulated the intermediacy of organozinc radical species in the regioselective alkylation reactions of 1,4-di-tert-butyl-1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene (t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu) with diorganozinc compounds (ZnR₂). To verify these postulates, we have prepared and studied the neutral organozinc radical complex MeO(CH₂)₃Zn(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu) (A) and two diorganozinc radical-anionic complexes, K[R₂Zn(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)] (R = Me (8a), Et (8b)). A was prepared in situ by the reaction of t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu with bis-(methoxypropyl)zinc. Complexes 8 were prepared by reducing the 1:1 coordination complex ZnMe₂(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu) (1a) with potassium or by the nucleophilic addition of K(t- BuNCHCHN-t-Bu) to ZnR₂ (R = Me, Et). The resulting radical-anionic complexes are thermally unstable and readily undergo an intermolecular single-electron transfer, giving a mixture of the metallacyclic heteroleptic zincate complexes K[ZnR(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)] (9) and K[ZnR(t-BuNC(R)CHN-t-Bu)] (10). The ratio in which the latter complexes are formed depends on the R group and on the concentration and the temperature. Alternatively, 9 has been prepared separately from the reduction of [ZnR(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]₂ (4) with 2 equiv of potassium. The crystal structures of two complexes of 9, i.e. {9a(THF)}_n and {9c(Et₂O)_1/2}_n, have been determined. Both complexes form linear coordination polymers containing alternating potassium cations and zinc-diazabutadiene anions.

Full text of DOI:10.1021/om9701480

3158
Organometallics 1997, 16, 3158-3164
Th e Role of Neu tr a l a n d Ra d ica l An ion ic Or ga n ozin c
Com p lexes in th e Alk yla tion Rea ction s of
1,4-Dia za -1,3-bu ta d ien es w ith Dior ga n ozin c Com p ou n d s†
Evelien Rijnberg,‡ J aap Boersma,‡ J ohann T. B. H. J astrzebski,‡ Miles T. Lakin,§
Anthony L. Spek,§,| and Gerard van Koten*,‡
Debye Institute, Department of Metal-Mediated Synthesis, and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular
Research, Crystal and Structural Chemistry, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8,
3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
Received February 26, 1997X
We have earlier postulated the intermediacy of organozinc radical species in the
regioselective alkylation reactions of 1,4-di-tert-butyl-1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene (t-BuNCHCHN-
t-Bu) with diorganozinc compounds (ZnR2). To verify these postulates, we have prepared
and studied the neutral organozinc radical complex MeO(CH2)3Zn(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu) (A)
and two diorganozinc radical-anionic complexes, K[R2Zn(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)] (R ) Me (8a ),
Et (8b)). A was prepared in situ by the reaction of t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu with bis-
(methoxypropyl)zinc. Complexes 8 were prepared by reducing the 1:1 coordination complex
ZnMe2(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu) (1a ) with potassium or by the nucleophilic addition of K(t-
BuNCHCHN-t-Bu) to ZnR2 (R ) Me, Et). The resulting radical-anionic complexes are
thermally unstable and readily undergo an intermolecular single-electron transfer, giving
a mixture of the metallacyclic heteroleptic zincate complexes K[ZnR(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]
(9) and K[ZnR(t-BuNC(R)CHN-t-Bu)] (10). The ratio in which the latter complexes are
formed depends on the R group and on the concentration and the temperature. Alternatively,
9 has been prepared separately from the reduction of [ZnR(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]2 (4) with 2
equiv of potassium. The crystal structures of two complexes of 9, i.e. {9a (THF )}n and
{9c(Et2O)1/2}n , have been determined. Both complexes form linear coordination polymers
containing alternating potassium cations and zinc-diazabutadiene anions.
Sch em e 1
In tr od u ction
It is well-known that 1,4-di-tert-butyl-1,4-diaza-1,3-
butadiene (t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu) is alkylated by diorga-
nozinc compounds (ZnR2) with high regioselectivity to
either the nitrogen-alkylated product ZnR(t-BuN(R)-
CHCHN-t-Bu) (R ) primary alkyl group) or the carbon-
alkylated product ZnR(t-BuNCH(R)CHN-t-Bu) (R )
tertiary/benzylic alkyl group). Two possible mecha-
nisms for this alkylation reaction have been put for-
ward, i.e. a radical and a polar mechanism (see Scheme
1).2 Earlier studies have shown that the initial step
common to both mechanisms is the formation of the
thermally unstable 1:1 coordination complex ZnR2(t-
BuNCHCHN-t-Bu) (1), which undergoes an intramo-
lecular single-electron-transfer (SET) reaction to give
a radical pair, [R•/ZnR(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)•] (2), in a
solvent cage. In the radical mechanism 2 collapses in
* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
† Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Waldemar Adam on the occasion of his 60th
birthday.
‡ Debye Institute, Department of Metal-Mediated Synthesis.
§ Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Crystal and Structural
Chemistry.
| Address correspondence regarding the crystallography to this
author.
X Abstract published in Advance ACS Abstracts, J une 15, 1997.
(1) (a) Klerks, J . M.; J astrzebski, J . T. B. H.; van Koten, G.; Vrieze,
K. J . Organomet. Chem. 1982, 224, 107. (b) van Koten, G. In
Organometallics in Organic Synthesis; de Meijere, A., tom Dieck, H.,
Eds.; Springer-Verlag: Berlin, 1987; p 277. (c) Kaupp, M.; Stoll, H.;
Preuss, H.; Kaim, W.; Stahl, T.; van Koten, G.; Wissing, E.; Smeets,
W. J . J .; Spek, A. L. J . Am. Chem. Soc. 1991, 113, 5606.
(2) Wissing, E.; Kaupp, M.; Boersma, J .; Spek, A. L.; van Koten, G.
Organometallics 1994, 13, 2349.
the solvent cage, resulting in the nitrogen- (5) and
carbon-alkylated (6) products, whereas in the polar
S0276-7333(97)00148-9 CCC: $14.00 © 1997 American Chemical Society

Organozinc Complexes
Organometallics, Vol. 16, No. 14, 1997 3159
Sch em e 2
mechanism a steady-state concentration of the free
organozinc radical is formed. This transfers its un-
paired electron to the initial 1:1 coordination complex
ZnR2(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu) (1), to give an organozinc
cation/diorganozinc radical-anion pair, [ZnR(t-BuNCH-
CHN-t-Bu)][ZnR2(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)] (7). Nucleo-
philic attack of an alkyl group of the diorganozinc
radical anion [ZnR2(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]- on the orga-
nozinc cation [ZnR(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]+ gives the
alkylation products with simultaneous regeneration of
the free organozinc radical (3). In the polar mechanism
5 and 6 can be regarded as 1,2- and 1,4-addition
products, respectively.
So far, both mechanisms are supported by the isola-
tion of the 1:1 coordination complex ZnMe2(t-BuNCH-
CHN-t-Bu) (1a )1c and of [ZnR(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]2 (R
) Me (4a ), Et (4b)). The latter exists in solution in
equilibrium with the corresponding neutral organozinc
radicals [ZnR(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]• (3) (cf. Scheme 2).1,3
Although the radical mechanism has been used as a
working hypothesis for the reaction of t-BuNCHCHN-
t-Bu with ZnR2, the proposal of an alternative, polar
mechanism is justified by the EPR detection of an
unprecedented paramagnetic species during the alky-
lation reaction in THF. The EPR resonance pattern in
THF can only be assigned to a tetrahedrally surrounded
organozinc radical complex.1c In this paper we report
the preparation of two different types of complexes
having this geometry at zinc, i.e. a model for a solvated
neutral organozinc radical and representative examples
of diorganozinc radical-anionic complexes. To investi-
gate the role of THF in the formation of the former, we
prepared a neutral organozinc radical with a potentially
C,O-chelating alkyl group, in which the methoxy sub-
stituent may be regarded as a suitably-positioned
“solvent” donor molecule. For the preparation of the
radical-anionic diorganozinc complexes we have made
use of the ability of the t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu ligand to
stabilize electron-rich zinc R-diimine complexes, as can
be concluded from our recent studies on mono- and
dianionic homoleptic zinc complexes.4
F igu r e 1. EPR spectrum of the intermediate species (A)
in the reaction mixture of t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu and Zn-
((CH2)3OMe)2 in Et2O (10 G ) 1 mT).
Zn[(CH2)3OMe]25 in Et2O at room temperature consists
of a resonance pattern of seven broad lines without a
hyperfine structure. This is consistent with the pres-
ence of an unpaired electron which couples to two
magnetically equivalent nitrogen nuclei (I ) 1) and two
1
magnetically equivalent protons (I ) /2) with aH and
aN coupling constants of 0.49 and 0.59 mT, respectively.
We assign this spectrum to the C,O-chelate-bonded
neutral organozinc radical complex A (see Figure 1).
R a d ica l-An ion ic
Dior ga n ozin c
Com p lexes.
ZnMe2(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu) (1a ) is stable at room tem-
perature, in contrast to the corresponding complexes of
other ZnR2 compounds. In 1a , homolytic Zn-C bond
cleavage can only be induced thermally or photochemi-
cally.6 The stability of 1a enables a more detailed study
of its reactivity toward various reducing agents that
might be used to prepare radical-anionic diorganozinc
complexes. First, the reduction of 1a with the neutral
organozinc radical complex [ZnR(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]•
(3a ) was studied by reacting 1a with 0.5 equiv of the
dimer of 3a , i.e. [ZnMe(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]2 (4a ), at
room temperature (see Scheme 2). We earlier demon-
strated that dimeric complexes 4 in solution are in
equilibrium with two coordinatively unsaturated neu-
tral organozinc radical complexes [ZnR(t-BuNCHCHN-
t-Bu)]• (3).1,3 The EPR spectrum of a mixture of 1a and
4a in Et2O did show the presence of the unreacted
1
[ZnMe(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]• (3a ).1c Moreover, the H
NMR spectrum of the mixture revealed the presence of
the starting materials 1a and 4a in a 2:1 molar ratio,
while no alkylation products were detected. In contrast
to this inertness of 1a to 3a , the reaction of 1a with
1
potassium as reducing agent gave, according to the H
NMR spectrum, the heteroleptic metallacyclic organo-
diamido zincate anion K[ZnMe(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]
(9a ) (see Scheme 2).
Resu lts
9a has also been obtained by two other procedures.
First, the reaction of the potassium salt of t-BuNCHCHN-
t-Bu, K(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu),7 with 1 equiv of ZnMe2
gave 9a quantitatively. The application of this proce-
Neu tr a l Or ga n ozin c Com p lexes. The EPR spec-
trum of the reaction mixture of t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu with
(3) Wissing, E.; van der Linden, S.; Rijnberg, E.; Boersma, J .;
Smeets, W. J . J .; Spek, A. L.; van Koten, G. Organometallics 1994,
13, 2602.
(4) Rijnberg, E.; Richter, B.; Thiele, K.-H.; Veldman, N.; Smeets,
W. J . J .; Spek, A. L. van Koten, G. Inorg. Chem., submitted for
publication.
(5) Wissing, E.; Kleijn, H.; Boersma, J .; van Koten, G. Recl. Trav.
Chim. Pays-Bas 1993, 112, 618.
(6) Wissing, E.; Rijnberg, E.; van der Schaaf, P. A.; van Gorp, K.;
Boersma, J .; van Koten, G. Organometallics 1994, 13, 2609.
(7) Clopath, P.; von Zelewsky, A. Helv. Chim. Acta 1972, 55, 52.

3160 Organometallics, Vol. 16, No. 14, 1997
Rijnberg et al.
Ta ble 1. P r od u ct Ra tios in th e Rea ction of
K(t-Bu NCHCHN-t-Bu ) w ith Zn Et2
entry
no.
concn of
K(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu) (M)
T (K)
9b:10b
1
2
3
0.15
0.15
0.03
298
195
298
57:43
73:27
77:23
dure to other ZnR2 compounds (R ) Et, CH2Ph) gave a
mixture of K[ZnR(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)] (R ) Et (9b),
CH2Ph (9c)) and K[ZnR(t-BuNC(R)CHN-t-Bu)] (R ) Et
(10b), CH2Ph (10c)) (eq 1). According to the mass
F igu r e 2. ORTEP drawing at 50% probability level of the
molecular structure of {9a (THF )}n . Hydrogen atoms have
been omitted for clarity.
(1)
balances the yields of these reactions were 74% and 99%
with respect to zinc, respectively. No secondary prod-
ucts of organic radicals were observed. We have been
unable to separate these zincate complexes. The 9b:
10b product ratio is dependent on temperature and
concentration: at low temperature or at low concentra-
tion the formation of 9b is favored (see Table 1).
A second route to 9a is the reaction of 4a with 2 equiv
of potassium. This procedure is also used for the
preparation of pure 9b and 9c in quantitative yields (eq
2).
F igu r e 3. ORTEP drawing at 50% probability level of the
molecular structure of {9c(Et2O)1/2}n . Hydrogen atoms
have been omitted for clarity.
Ta ble 2. Selected Bon d Len gth s a n d Bon d An gles
a
for {9a (THF )}n
Bond Lengths (Å)
K-N(11)
3.1421(16)
3.1895(18)
2.9210(15)
2.9519(16)
1.951(5)
1.956(3)
1.951(3)
1.388(6)
1.391(5)
K-N(31)
3.023(19)
3.05(2)
2.986(7)
3.040(7)
1.956(7)
2.03(2)
2.018(17)
1.291(19)
1.31(2)
K-N(12)
K-N(32)
K-C(14)
K-C(15)
K-C(35)
K-C(36)
Zn(11)-C(19)
Zn(11)-N(11)
Zn(11)-N(12)
N(11)-C(14)
N(12)-C(15)
C(14)-C(15)
Zn(31)-C(30)
Zn(31)-N(31)
Zn(31)-N(32)
N(31)-C(35)
N(32)-C(36)
C(35)-C(36)
(2)
1.357(6)
1.380(12)
Bond Angles (deg)
Crystallization of 9a and 9c from THF/Et2O
mixtures at -30 °C gave crystals of {9a (THF )}n and
N(11)-Zn(11)-C(19) 136.81(17) N(31)-Zn(31)-C(30) 139.7(5)
8
N(12)-Zn(11)-C(19) 138.15(17) N(32)-Zn(31)-C(30) 138.0(6)
N(11)-Zn(11)-N(12)
N(11)-C(14)-C(15)
N(12)-C(15)-C(14)
85.05(14) N(31)-Zn(31)-N(32)
82.0(7)
119.7(11)
119.0(10)
{9c(Et2O)1/2}n , respectively. The solid-state molecular
structures of both complexes consists of linear polymer
chains with potassium cations sandwiched between
organo(diamido)zincate anions (see Figures 2 and 3).
Selected bond lengths and angles for {9a (THF )}n and
{9c(Et2O)1/2}n are listed in Tables 2 and 3, respectively.
The repeating unit of {9a (THF )}n consists of two
[ZnMe(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]- monoanions, each located
on a mirror plane, two [ZnMe(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]-
monoanions, each located on an inversion center, and
four bridging potassium cations. The differences in
K-N and K-C distances between two [ZnMe(t-
BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]- units, ranging from 3.023(19) to
118.2(4)
116.8(4)
N(31)-C(35)-C(36)
N(32)-C(36)-C(35)
a
The estimated standard deviations of the last significant digits
are shown in parentheses.
3.1895(18) Å and from 2.9210(15) to 3.103(8) Å, respec-
tively, suggest that each potassium cation in the chains
is η2 + η4 coordinated to the six π-electrons of the
[ZnMe(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]- units. In addition, one
molecule of THF completes the coordination sphere
around potassium.
The polymer chain contains two nonequivalent [ZnMe-
(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]- units. The zinc atoms in both
have a distorted-trigonal-planar geometry, as illustrated
by the sums of the C-Zn-N and N-Zn-N angles
(8) Rijnberg, E.; Boersma, J .; J astrzebski, J . T. B. H.; Lakin, M. T.;
Spek, A. L.; van Koten, G. J . Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 1995, 1839.

Organozinc Complexes
Organometallics, Vol. 16, No. 14, 1997 3161
Ta ble 3. Selected Bon d Len gth s a n d Bon d An gles
zinc-bound alkyl groups, probably due to the enhanced
negative charges on the alkyl groups in the zincate
complexes 9 and 10.
a
for {9c(Et2O)1/2
}
n
Bond Lengths (Å)
K(1)-N(1)
K(1)-N(2)
K(1)-C(5)
K(1)-C(6)
Zn(1)-C(20)
Zn(1)-N(1)
Zn(1)-N(2)
C(5)-C(6)
2.990(1)
K(2)-N(1)
K(2)-N(2)
K(2)-C(5)
K(2)-C(6)
K(2)-O(30)
N(1)-C(5)
N(2)-C(6)
3.171(12)
3.248(14)
2.958(15)
3.034(14)
2.777(16)
1.393(19)
1.360(19)
The EPR spectra of the reaction mixture of K(t-
BuNCHCHN-t-Bu) and ZnR2 (R ) Me, Et) showed the
presence of paramagnetic species (a similar reaction
with Zn(CH2Ph)2 was EPR silent). The relatively broad
signals hamper the precise determination of the g
values. However, after approximately 30 min the EPR
signals had disappeared completely. Both species show
identical resonance patterns, which is consistent with
an unpaired electron being coupled to two magnetically
equivalent nitrogen nuclei (I ) 1) and two magnetically
3.081(13)
2.892(15)
2.917(14)
1.974(17)
1.943(11)
1.944(13)
1.36(2)
Bond Angles (deg)
N(1)-Zn(1)-C(20)
N(2)-Zn(1)-C(20)
N(1)-Zn(1)-N(2)
135.5(6)
138.6(6)
85.5(5)
N(1)-C(5)-C(6)
N(2)-C(6)-C(5)
114.4(14)
117.9(13)
1
equivalent protons (I ) /2) with aH and aN coupling
a
The estimated standard deviations of the last significant digits
are shown in parentheses.
constants of 0.45 and 0.64 mT, respectively, without
hyperfine splitting. Therefore, we assigned these EPR
spectra to the radical-anionic diorganozinc complexes
K[ZnR2(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)] (R ) Me (8a ), Et (8b)).
The EPR spectra of 8 are different from that of K(t-
(360.01 and 357.77°, respectively), close to the expected
360°. Clear differences are observed in the Zn-N, N-C,
and C-C bond distances of both units. The Zn-N and
C-C bond distances in the Zn(11)NCCN chelate ring
are significantly shorter than those found in the Zn-
(31)NCCN ring. A comparison of the Zn-N, N-C, and
C-C bond distances with those found in K(thf)3[Zn(t-
BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)2]4 suggests a dianionic enamide
character for the t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu ligand in Zn(11)-
NCCN. The distances found in Zn(31)NCCN are
comparable to those found in the radical-anion t-
a
a
BuNCHCHN-t-Bu); the latter shows H and N coupling
constants of 0.43 and 0.56 mT, respectively.7
Discu ssion
Neu tr a l Or ga n ozin c Ra d ica ls. The EPR spectrum
of the reaction mixture of t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu with Zn-
5
[(CH2)3OMe]2 in Et2O shows a resonance pattern of
seven broad lines without hyperfine structure. This
lack of hyperfine coupling in the EPR spectrum indi-
cates the presence of a species with a tetrahedral
geometry at the zinc atom. We believe that this is
brought about by intramolecular O-Zn coordination to
give a C,O-chelated neutral organozinc radical. The
intramolecular coordination of the methoxy substituent
in the alkyl group illustrates the Lewis-acidic character
of the zinc atom in neutral organozinc radicals and leads
to a deformation of the planar geometry around zinc.
The formation of such a species was investigated to
mimic the postulated formation of the solvated tetra-
coordinated neutral organozinc radical [ZnR(t-BuNCH-
CHN-t-Bu)(THF)]• in THF solution. The presence of
such a solvated neutral organozinc radical species
during the alkylation reaction in THF is in agreement
with the aforementioned EPR data of the unknown key
intermediate2 and therefore supports the postulated
radical mechanism.
Ra d ica l-An ion ic Dior ga n ozin c Com p lexes. The
observed stability of ZnMe2(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu) (1a )
toward reduction with [ZnMe(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]• (3a )
demonstrates that the ionization energy of 6 eV for 3a 11
is too high to let it act as a one-electron donor for the
reduction of 1a . However, the reduction of 1a with
potassium in situ gives radical-anionic K[ZnMe2(t-
BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)] (8a ), which was thermally con-
verted into the diamagnetic zincate species K[ZnMe(t-
BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)] (9a ). Similar reductions of 1:1
diorganozinc coordination complexes of 2,2′-bipyridine
and 3,4,7,8-tetramethylphenanthroline ligands with
potassium in situ gave radical-anionic diorganozinc
complexes, which have been studied with EPR.12 Count-
ing of π-electrons in 9a suggested an alternative pre-
parative route involving the reduction of dimeric [ZnR(t-
9
BuNCHCHN-t-Bu ligands in Zn(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)2
and K(thf)3[Zn(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)2].4
The crystallographic repeating unit in {9c(Et2O)1/2
}
n
consists of two equivalent [Zn(CH2Ph)(t-BuNCHCHN-
t-Bu)]- monoanions and two nonequivalent potassium
cations, each on a crystallographic 2-fold axis. The
nonequivalency of the potassium cations is a result of
the nonsymmetrical η3 + η4 coordination of the ZnNCCN
chelate ring to two potassium cations. K(1) is twice η4-
coordinated via interactions with the N(1), N(2), C(5),
and C(6) atoms of two [Zn(CH2Ph)(t-BuNCHCHN-t-
Bu)]- units, while K(2) is twice η3-coordinated via
interactions with the N(1), C(5), and C(6) atoms of these
units. K(1) is also coordinated to a molecule of Et2O to
complete its coordination sphere.
The 1H NMR spectra of 9 show a characteristic singlet
resonance in the olefinic region and a singlet for two
identical t-Bu groups, comparable to the resonances
found in, e.g., Li2(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu),10a M(t-BuNCH-
CHN-t-Bu) (M ) SiII, GeII),10b,c and K2(thf)2[Zn(t-
BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)2].4 The 1H NMR spectra of the
alkylated zincate complexes 10 show the same charac-
teristic singlet resonance in the olefinic region as was
found for 9, a signal for the alkyl group attached to the
olefinic bond, and two singlets for the chemically non-
equivalent t-Bu groups. The chemical shifts observed
for the R-protons of the zinc-bonded alkyl groups in 9
and 10 are at higher field relative to those in related
neutral organozinc complexes. In comparison with the
starting dimeric organozinc complexes 4 an upfield shift
of 0.57-0.81 ppm is observed for the R-protons of the
(9) Gardiner, M. G.; Hanson, G. R.; Henderson, M. J .; Lee, F. C.;
Raston, C. Inorg. Chem. 1994, 33, 2456.
(10) (a) Go¨rls, H.; Neumu¨ller, B.; Scholtz, A.; Scholtz, J . Angew.
Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1995, 34, 673. (b) Denk, M.; Lennon, R.; Hayashi,
R.; West, R.; Belyakov, A. V.; Verne, H. P.; Haaland, A.; Wagner, M.;
Metzler, N. J . Am. Chem. Soc. 1994, 116, 2691. (c) Herrmann, W. A.;
Denk, M.; Behm, J .; Scherer, W.; Klingan, F.; Bock, H.; Solouki, B.;
Wagner, M. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1992, 31, 1485.
(11) Louwen, J . N.; Stufkens, D. J .; Oskam, A. J . Chem. Soc., Dalton
Trans. 1984, 2683.
(12) Stahl, T. Thesis, Universita¨t Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany,
1992.

3162 Organometallics, Vol. 16, No. 14, 1997
Rijnberg et al.
Sch em e 3
BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]2 with 2 equiv of potassium. Most
likely, the neutral organozinc radical is the active
species in this reaction. Compound 9a was also pre-
pared by the reaction of K(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu) with
ZnMe2, while this reaction with ZnR2 (R ) Et, CH2Ph)
gave mixtures of products, from which K[ZnR(t-BuNCH-
CHN-t-Bu)] (9) and K[ZnR(t-BuNC(R)CHN-t-Bu)] (10)
have been isolated.
Complexes 9 and 10 are the first examples of hetero-
leptic organozincate complexes, containing a chelate-
bonded dianionic diamide ligand. So far, the only
known metallacyclic zincate complexes are [Li(L)2Zn-
(-CHR(CHR)nCHR-)2 (L ) Et2O; 2L ) Me2NCH2CH2-
NMe2, MeOCH2CH2OMe; n ) 2, 3; R ) H, Me)].13
Earlier reports on heteroleptic zincates concern the
crystal structure of [KZnEt2(O-t-Bu)]2, derived from
ZnEt2 and KO-t-Bu,14 and the NMR characterization of
LiZnBr2(C(SiMe3)3), prepared from ZnBr2 and LiC-
(SiMe3)3.15
A plausible mechanism for the formation of the
zincate complexes 9 and 10 is outlined in Scheme 3.
Both the nucleophilic addition reaction of K(t-BuNCH-
CHN-t-Bu) to various ZnR2 compounds and the reduc-
tion reaction of 1a with potassium result in the in situ
formation of thermally unstable 8. When the temper-
ature is raised above its decomposition temperature, 8
undergoes a homolytic cleavage of one of the zinc-
carbon bonds to give an alkyl radical (R•) and a biradical
organozinc species. Recombination of these two un-
paired electrons gives, after subsequent rearrangement,
the diamagnetic zincate complex 9 (the R•-escape prod-
uct). For R ) Et, CH2Ph these alkyl radicals are partly
trapped by collapsing with 8 to give K[ZnR2(t-BuNCH-
(R)CHN-t-Bu)] (11). Complex 11 is thought to be in
equilibrium with its tautomer, K[ZnR2(t-BuNC(R)CHN-
(H)-t-Bu)] (12). A subsequent intramolecular hydrolysis
of one of the zinc-carbon bonds by the amino hydrogen
in 12 finally results in the formation of the zincate 10
(the R•-trapping product).
Similar imino-enamino tautomerization processes
have been reported for the carbon-alkylated organozinc
compounds ZnR(t-BuNCH(R)CHN-t-Bu), which are in
equilibrium with their enamino tautomers ZnR(t-BuNC-
(R)CHN(H)-t-Bu).2,6 According to this proposed mech-
anism for the formation of 9 and 10, the maximum yield
of the alkylated zincates 10 is 50% with respect to 8.
Therefore, the formation of 10 in yields lower than 50%
must be accompanied by a loss of alkyl radicals. At-
tempts to trap these alkyl radicals as their secondary
products have as yet been unsuccessful. The quantita-
tive formation of 9a without concurrent formation of
10a , from both the nucleophilic addition reaction and
the reduction reaction, supports the bimolecular reac-
tion pathway for the formation of the latter. The
homolytic cleavage of a zinc-carbon bond in thermally
unstable 8a gives 9a and a methyl radical. The latter
are highly reactive at room temperature, which results
in radical escape from the solvent cage, rather than a
collapse with 8a . The favored formation of 9b with
respect to 10b at low temperature and at low concentra-
tion also supports the proposed bimolecular process for
the formation of 10b.
An interesting aspect of the solid-state structures of
{9a (THF )}n and {9c(Et2O)1/2
} is that they display
n
three different coordination modes for the monoanionic
[ZnR(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]- units. The significant dif-
ferences of the Zn-N, N-C, and C-C bond distances
of the two nonequivalent [ZnMe(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]-
units in polymeric {9a (THF )}n are a consequence of the
fact that the Zn(11)-containing units act as two-electron
donors, while the Zn(31)-containing units act as six-
electron donors. The [Zn(CH2Ph)(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]-
(13) (a) Fro¨hlich, H.-O.; Kosan, B.; Mu¨ller, B.; Hiller, W. J . Orga-
nomet. Chem. 1992, 441, 177. (b) Fro¨hlich, H.-O.; Kosan, B.; Undeut-
sch, B.; Go¨rls, H. J . Organomet. Chem. 1994, 472, 1.
(14) Fabicon, R.; Parvez, M.; Richey, H. G., J r. J . Am. Chem. Soc.
1991, 113, 1412.
(15) Westerhausen, M. B.; Rademacher, B.; Schwartz, W.; Weidlein,
J .; Henkel, S. J . Organomet. Chem. 1994, 469, 135.

Organozinc Complexes
Organometallics, Vol. 16, No. 14, 1997 3163
procedure described in ref 5. EPR spectra of this reaction
mixture were recorded in Et2O at room temperature.
Red u ction of Zn Me2(t-Bu NCHCHN-t-Bu ) (1a ). Meth od
A: With 4a . To a solution of 1a , prepared in situ from
t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu (0.28 g; 1.66 mmol) and ZnMe2 (1.70 mL
of a 1.0 M solution in hexane, 1.70 mmol) in Et2O or THF (30
mL) at room temperature, was added a solution of 4a (0.42 g;
0.85 mmol) in Et2O or THF (20 mL). 1H NMR in C6D6 showed
this powder to be a 1:1 mixture of 1a and 4a .
Meth od B: With P ota ssiu m Meta l. To a stirred solution
of 1a in THF (30 mL), prepared in situ from t-BuNCHCHN-
t-Bu (1.25 g; 7.43 mmol) and ZnMe2 (7.5 mL of a 1.0 M solution
in pentane, 7.5 mmol), was added finely divided potassium
(0.29 g; 7.42 mmol) in THF (20 mL) at room temperature. After
the mixture was stirred for 16 h, the solvent was removed in
vacuo, leaving an orange-brown residue. The residue was
washed with hexanes or Et2O (50 mL) and dried in vacuo,
giving 9a as a yellow-brown powder, yield 2.09 g (7.26 mmol;
98%). 1H NMR (THF-d8): δ 5.65 (s, 2, NCHd); 1.16 (s, 18,
C(CH3)3); -0.82 (s, 3, CH3). 13C NMR (THF-d8): δ 114.4
(NCHd); 52.4 (C(CH3)3); 33.9 (C(CH3)3; -11.3 (CH3). Mp: >180
°C. Anal. Calcd for C11H23KN2Zn: C, 45.91; H, 8.06; N, 9.73.
Found: C, 46.08; H, 8.01; N, 9.64.
units in {9c(Et2O)1/2}n act as four-electron donors. The
potassium cations in solvent-free 9 are most likely twice
η4-coordinated to two [ZnR(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]- units,
both acting as six-electron donors. An increase of the
electron-donating properties is accompanied by a short-
ening of the C-N bond distances in the series [Zn(11)-
Me(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]- (2 e-) > [Zn(CH2Ph)(t-BuNCH-
CHN-t-Bu)]- (4 e-) > [Zn(31)Me(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]-
(6 e-). The apparent radical-anionic character of the
t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu ligand in the [Zn(31)Me(t-BuNCH-
CHN-t-Bu)]- unit of {9a (THF )}n is caused by a shift of
its π-electron density into the direction of both potas-
sium cations. The 1H NMR spectra of 9 in THF solution
show one singlet for the olefinic protons. This suggests
that in THF all [ZnR(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]- units in the
polymer act as symmetrical η2-coordinated two-electron
donors or, alternatively, that the polymeric structures
are completely dissociated into monomeric ion-separated
solvated complexes.
Con clu d in g Rem a r k s
Gen er a l P r oced u r e for th e Ad d ition of K(t-Bu NCH-
CHN-t-Bu ) to Zn R2. To a stirred solution of t-BuNCHCHN-
t-Bu in THF (50 mL) was added 1 equiv of finely divided
potassium at room temperature. After the mixture was stirred
for 16 h, an equimolar amount of ZnR2 was added to the brown
suspension. The resulting clear solution was stirred for an
additional 30 min. The solvent was removed in vacuo, leaving
an orange-brown sticky residue. The residue was washed with
Et2O (50 mL) and dried in vacuo.
(a ) To Zn Me2. The reaction of t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu (1.12
g; 6.7 mmol), potassium (0.26 g; 6.7 mmol), and ZnMe2 (6.7
mL of a 1.0 M solution in pentane, 6.7 mmol) gave the product
as a yellow-brown powder, isolated yield 1.78 g (6.19 mmol;
93%). 1H and 13C NMR (vide supra) showed this powder to be
pure 9a .
(b) To Zn Et2. The reaction of t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu (1.33 g;
7.93 mmol), potassium (0.31 g; 7.90 mmol), and ZnEt2 (8.0 mL
of a 1.0 M solution in hexane, 8.0 mmol) gave the product as
a yellow-brown powder, isolated yield 1.84 g. 1H and 13C NMR
showed this powder to be a mixture of 9b (57%) and 10b (43%).
Identical reaction at 0.15 M t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu concentration
and 195 K yielded a mixture of 9b (73%) and 10b (27%).
Identical reaction at 0.03 M t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu concentration
and 298 K gave a mixture of 9b (77%) and 10b (23%). We
have been unable to separate the two products. 9b: 1H NMR
(THF-d8) δ 5.62 (s, 2, NCHd), 1.21 (t, 3, CH3), 1.16 (s, 18,
C(CH3)3), 0.10 (q br, 2, CH2); 13C NMR (THF-d8) δ 114.3
(NCHd), 52.1 (C(CH3)3), 33.9 (C(CH3)3), 14.7 (CH3), 3.6 (CH2);
mp >180 °C. 10b: 1H NMR (THF-d8) δ 5.45 (s, 1, NCHd),
2.45 (q, 2, 3J ) 7.2 Hz, NC(CH2)d), 1.29 (s, 9, C(CH3)3, 1.14
(s, 9, C(CH3)3), 1.21 (t, 3, CH3), 0.10 (q br, 2, CH2); 13C NMR
(THF-d8) δ 126.6 (NC(CH2)d), 114.9 (NCHd), 53.0, 52.2
(C(CH3)3), 36.6, 33.9 (C(CH3)3), 26.7 (NC(CH2)d), 15.8 (CH3),
3.6 (CH2).
The results presented in this paper provide indirect
evidence for a radical mechanism in the alkylation
reactions of t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu with diorganozinc com-
pounds. The paramagnetic species detected during this
alkylation reaction in THF is tentatively assigned to be
the solvated neutral organozinc radical complex [ZnR-
(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)(THF)]•. This conclusion is further
corroborated by the observed stability of the 1:1 coor-
dination complex 1a toward reduction by 3a . Neverthe-
less, we have shown that radical-anionic diorganozinc
complexes of t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu can exist, although
they have limited thermal stabilities. Their thermal
decomposition gave the corresponding heteroleptic or-
gano(diamido)zincates, alkylated or not alkylated at the
carbon atom of the t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu ligand. The
nonalkylated derivatives have been prepared indepen-
dently via an alternative route. The synthetic potential
of these new complexes in organozinc-mediated reac-
tions is the subject of further study.
Exp er im en ta l Section
Gen er a l Da ta . All experiments were carried out under a
dry and oxygen-free nitrogen atmosphere, using standard
Schlenk techniques. Et2O, THF, C6H6, and pentane were dried
and distilled from Na/benzophenone prior to use. CH2Cl2 was
dried and distilled from CaH2. All standard chemicals were
purchased from Aldrich and J anssen Chimica. ZnMe2(t-
BuNCHCHN-t-Bu) (1a ),1c [ZnR(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu)]2 (R ) Me
(4a ), Et (4b)),3 ZnCl2,16 1,4-di-tert-butyl-1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene
18
(t-BuNCHCHN-t-Bu),17 and Zn(CH2Ph2)2 were prepared ac-
cording to literature procedures. 1H and 13C NMR spectra
were recorded at 200 and 50 MHz in C6D6, CD2Cl2, or THF-d8
at room temperature using SiMe4 as external standard.
Coupling (J ) constants are in hertz (Hz). EPR spectra were
recorded in Et2O or THF at room temperature. Melting points
are uncorrected. Elemental analyses were carried out by
Dornis und Kolbe Mikroanalytisches Laboratorium, Mu¨lheim
a.d. Ruhr, Germany.
(c) To Zn (CH2P h )2. The reaction from t-BuNCHCHN-t-
Bu (1.89 g; 11.23 mmol), potassium (0.44 g; 11.25 mmol), and
Zn(CH2Ph)2 (2.74 g; 11.06 mmol) gave the product as an orange
powder, yield 4.35 g. 1H and 13C NMR showed this powder to
be a mixture of 9c (70%) and 10c (30%). We have been unable
1
to separate the two products. 9c: H NMR (THF-d8) δ 6.9-
6.8 (m, 4H, ArH), 8.52 (dd, 1H, ArH), 5.60 (s, 2, NCHd), 1.88
(s br, 2, CH2), 1.15 (s, 18, C(CH3)3); 13C NMR (THF-d8) δ 153.9
(Ar Cipso), 128.1, 127.0, 119.4 (ArC), 114.1 (NCHd), 52.2
(C(CH3)3), 33.9 (C(CH3)3), 23.2 (CH2). 10c: 1H NMR (THF-d8)
δ 7.4-6.4 (aryl), 5.61 (s, 1, NCHd), 3.71 (s, 2, NC(CH2)d), 1.89
(s br, 2, CH2), 1.23 (s, 9, C(CH3)3), 1.09 (s, 9, C(CH3)3.
Rea ction of t-Bu NCHCHN-t-Bu w ith Zn (CH2CH2CH2-
OMe)2. This reaction was carried out according to the
(16) Hamilton, R. T.; Butler, J . A. V. J . Chem. Soc. 1932, 2283.
(17) Kliegman, J . M.; Barnes, R. K. Tetrahedron 1970, 62, 2555.
(18) Weissig, V.; Beckhaus, R.; Banasiak, U.; Thiele, T. H. Z. Anorg.
Allg. Chem. 1980, 467, 61.
P r ep a r a tion of [Zn (CH2P h )(t-Bu NCHCHN-t-Bu )]2 (4c).
Complex 4c was prepared according to a literature procedure,3
with a slightly modified workup, starting from t-BuNCHCHN-

3164 Organometallics, Vol. 16, No. 14, 1997
Rijnberg et al.
Ta ble 4. Cr ysta l Da ta a n d Deta ils of th e Str u ctu r e Deter m in a tion for {9a (THF )n a n d {9c(Et2O)1/2
}
n
{9a (THF )}n
{9c(Et2O)1/2}
n
Crystal Data
empirical formula
C
15H31KN2OZn
C19H32KN2O1/2Zn
400.96
mol wt
cryst syst
space group
a, Å
359.91
orthorhombic
Pnma (No. 62)
15.6658(7)
21.5705(11)
11.3578(9)
3838.0(4)
8
1.246
15.0
0.13 × 0.38 × 0.50
orthorhombic
P21212 (No. 18)
18.712(2)
10.634(2)
10.803(8)
2149.6(17)
4
1.239
13.4
0.08 × 0.38 × 0.38
b, Å
c, Å
V, Å3
Z
D
calcd, g cm-3
µ(Mo KR), cm-1
cryst size, mm
Data Collection
temp K
150
150
radiation; λ, Å
Mo KR (graphite); 0.710 73
Mo KR (graphite); 0.710 73
θ
min, θmax, deg
1.9, 27.5
1.9, 25
sca type
data set
total no. of data
total no. of unique data
ω/2θ
ω/2θ
-16 to +20, 0 to +27, -14 to 0
-21 to +24, 0 to +3, 0 to +14
6685
4526
3897
3421
Refinement
280
0.0495, 0.1151, 1.02
no. of refined params
221
R1, wR2, Sa
0.0976, 0.248, 1.14
a
2
R1 ) ∑|Fo| - |Fc|/∑|Fo|; wR2 ) [∑[w(Fo - Fc2)2]/∑[w(Fo2)2]]1/2
.
t-Bu (1.42 g; 8.44 mmol), potassium (0.33 g; 8.44 mmol), and
Zn(CH2Ph)Cl, prepared in situ from Zn(CH2Ph)2 (1.05 g; 4.24
mmol) and ZnCl2 (7.0 mL of a 0.62 M solution in Et2O, 4.34
mmol). Extraction of the product mixture with CH2Cl2 (2 ×
50 mL) gave 4c as a yellow powder in 2.15 g (3.31 mmol; 78%)
yield. 1H NMR (C6D6): δ 7.45 (d, 3H, NdCH and Ar H), 7.39
(dd, 2 H, Ar H), 6.96 (dd, 1 H, Ar H), 2.58 (d, 1 H, NCH), 2.45
K. Pertinent numerical data have been collected in Table 4.
The best available crystals of {9c(Et2O)1/2 were of poor
}
n
quality, as indicated by broad and structured reflection profiles
and signs of intergrowth. Unit cell parameters were derived
from the SET419 setting angles. The data were corrected for
Lp and absorption (empirical PLATON20) and averaged. The
structure was solved with automated Patterson techniques
(DIRDIF9221) and refined on F2 by full-matrix least squares
(SHELXL9322). Non-hydrogen atoms were refined with aniso-
tropic displacement parameters. Hydrogen atoms were in-
cluded at calculated positions, riding on and with isotropic
displacement parameters derived from their carrier atoms.
One of the [ZnC11H23N2]- anions of {9a (THF )}n is disordered
over an inversion center. The weak data quality of
{9c(Et2O)1/2}n is reflected in the relatively high final R value
and some unusual displacement ellipsoids. Both structures
were checked for higher symmetry and residual voids (PLA-
2
(dd, 2 × 1 H, J ) 10.8, Ar CH2), 0.94 (s, 9 H, C(CH3)3), 0.90
(s, 9 H, C(CH3)3). 1H NMR (CD2Cl2): δ 8.15 (d, 1 H, NdCH),
7.2-6.7 (m, 5 H, Ar H), 3.14 (d, 1H, NCH), 2.00 (dd, 2 × 1 H,
2J ) 14.9, Ar CH2), 1.16 (s, 9 H, C(CH3)3), 0.84 (s, 9 H, C(CH3)3).
13C NMR (CD2Cl2): δ 171.3 (NdCH); 152.6 (quaternary Ar);
128.0, 126.8, 119.9 (Ar); 59.7 (NCH); 58.3, 51.9 (C(CH3)3); 32.8,
29.6 (C(CH3)3); 22.1 (ZnCH2).
P r ep a r a tion of K[Zn Me(t-Bu NCHCHN-t-Bu )] (9a ). To
a solution of 4a (2.38 g; 4.8 mmol) in THF (50 mL) was added
finely divided potassium (0.38 g; 9.7 mmol). After the mixture
was stirred for 16 h at room temperature, the solvent was
removed in vacuo, leaving a yellow-brown residue. The
residue was washed with Et2O (2 × 20 mL) and dried in vacuo,
giving 9a as a yellow powder, isolated yield 2.73 g (9.5 mmol;
99%). Crystals of {9a (THF )}n were obtained by crystallization
from a 1:5 mixture of THF and Et2O at -30 °C.
P r epar ation of K[Zn Et(t-Bu NCHCHN-t-Bu )] (9b). Com-
plex 9b was synthesized according to the procedure for 9a ,
starting from 4b (2.72 g; 10.35 mmol) and potassium (0.42 g;
10.74 mmol); isolated yield 2.90 g (9.61 mmol; 93%).
P r epar ation of K[Zn (CH2P h )(t-Bu NCHCHN-t-Bu )] (9c).
Complex 9c was synthesized according to the procedure for
9a , starting from 4c (2.02 g; 6.22 mmol) and potassium (0.24
g; 6.14 mmol); isolated yield 1.91 g (5.88 mmol; 96%). Crystals
of {9c(Et2O)1/2}n , suitable for an X-ray diffraction study, were
obtained by crystallization from a 1:5 mixture of THF and Et2O
and were not dried.
TON20). The Flack parameter for {9c(Et2O)1/2
to -0.04(6).
} was refined
n
Ack n ow led gm en t. This work was supported in part
(E.R. and A.L.S.) by the Netherlands Foundation for
Chemical Research (SON) with financial aid from the
Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO).
Su p p or tin g In for m a tion Ava ila ble: Further details on
the structure determinations, including tables of atomic
coordinates, all bond lengths and angles, and thermal param-
eters, for {9a (THF )}n and {9c(Et2O)1/2}n (24 pages). Ordering
information is given on any current masthead page.
OM9701480
(19) Boer, J . L.; Duisenberg, A. J . M. Acta Crystallogr. 1984, A40,
C410.
(20) Spek, A. L. Acta Crystallogr. 1990, A46, C34.
X-r a y St r u ct u r e Det er m in a t ion for {9a (TH F )}n a n d
{9c(Et2O)1/2}n . X-ray data were collected on an Enraf-Nonius-
CAD4T diffractometer on a rotating anode for transparent, cut
to size, inert-oil-covered crystals that were glued on top of a
glass fiber and stabilized by the cold dinitrogen stream at 150
(21) Beurskens, P. T.; Admiraal, G.; Beurskens, G.; Bosman, W. P.;
Garcia-Granda, S.; Gould, R. O.; Smits, J . M. M.; Smykalla, C. The
DIRDIF Program System; Technical Report of the Crystallography
Laboratory; University of Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands, 1992.
(22) Sheldrick, G. M. SHELXL-93 Program for Crystal Structure
Refinement; University of Go¨ttingen, Go¨ttingen, Germany, 1993.