On the Nature of Agostic Interactions in Transition‐Metal Amido Complexes

Abstract

Not the same: β-H elimination in alkyl species containing a β-agostic interactions (see picture, right) is facilitated by negative hyperconjugative delocalization of the MC bonding electron pair over the alkyl backbone. This process is significantly hindered by the π character of the MN bond in corresponding amido complexes with agostic interactions (left). Hence, both types of agostic interactions should be discriminated from one another.