Participation of the α,α′-diiminopyridine ligand system in reduction of the metal center during alkylation

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ja020485m

The reaction of {[2,6-(i-Pr)₂PhN=C(Me)]₂ (C₅H₃N)}MnCl₂ with alkylating agents formed a dinuclear Mn(I) derivative via ligand reductive coupling. In the case of the trivalent Cr analogue, a similar reaction afforded reduction toward Cr(II) but also alkylation at the pyridine ring para position followed by an unprecedented cycloaddition that generated a tricyclic system.