Counterion Dependence of Dinitrogen Activation and Functionalization by a Diniobium Hydride Anion

Abstract

We report the synthesis of anionic diniobium hydride complexes with a series of alkali metal cations (Li+, Na+, and K+) and the counterion dependence of their reactivity with N2. Exposure of these complexes to N2 initially produces the corresponding side‐on end‐on N2 complexes, the fate of which depends on the nature of countercations. The lithium derivative undergoes stepwise migratory insertion of the hydride ligands onto the aryloxide units, yielding the end‐on bridging N2 complex. For the potassium derivative, the N−N bond cleavage takes place along with H2 elimination to form the nitride complex. Treatment of the side‐on end‐on N2 complex with Me3SiCl results in silylation of the terminal N atom and subsequent N−N bond cleavage along with H2 elimination, giving the nitride‐imide‐bridged diniobium complex.