Synthesis and Reactivity of a Mononuclear Parent Amido Nickel Complex. Structures of Ni[C₆H₃-2,6-(CH₂PⁱPr₂)₂](NH₂) and Ni[C₆H₃-2,6-(CH₂PⁱPr₂)₂](OMe)

Abstract

The first example of a nickel parent amido complex, Ni(PCP)(NH2), has been synthesized and structurally characterized. This compound reacts quantitatively with water and methanol to give the mononuclear hydroxide and methoxide derivatives Ni(PCP)(OH) and Ni(PCP)(OMe). Ni(PCP)(NH2) behaves as a strong nucleophile and adds rapidly to benzaldehyde, affording an equimolecular mixture of the aldimido derivative Ni(PCP)(NCHPh), the hydroxide Ni(PCP)(OH), and ammonia.