Model for a superbase: synthesis and crystal structure of the mixed-metal/mixed-anion aggregate [NaLi2{N(H)R}2(OR′)]2†

Abstract

The first structurally characterised example of a hetero-bis-s-block-metal amide–alkoxide complex, [NaLi2{N(H)R}2(OR′)]2 (1, R = 2-methoxyphenyl, R′ = tert-butyl), has been shown to be constructed from fusing four LiNNaO heterobimetallic rings with two Li2N2 rings through shared edges to form a cyclic ladder; the complex may serve as a model for “superbases” that are widely employed in organic synthesis.