Abstract
A coordinatively unsaturated iron(II)-digermyl complex, Fe[Ge(SiMe3)3]2(THF)2 (1), was synthesized in one step by the reaction of FeBr2 with 2 equiv of KGe(SiMe3)3. Complex 1 shows catalytic activity comparable to that of its silicon analogue in reduction reactions. In addition, 1 acts as an effective precursor for the catalytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane. Catalytically active species can also be generated in situ by simple mixing of the easy-to-handle precursors FeBr2, Ge(SiMe3)4, KOtBu, and phenanthroline.
Highlights
Group 14 ligands stabilize coordinatively unsaturated transition-metal centers due to their strong σ-donating properties and high trans-influence [1,2,3,4,5]
We have recently reported that the four-coordinated iron(II)-disilyl complex Fe[Si(SiMe3 )3 ]2 (THF)2 (2) exhibits a coordinatively unsaturated character and can act as an effective catalyst for reduction reactions [12]
Based on a slight modification of the method reported by Marschner et al [21], the potassium salt of the tris(trimethylsilyl)germyl anion, KGe(SiMe3 )3, was generated by treating Ge(SiMe3 )4 with
Summary
Group 14 ligands stabilize coordinatively unsaturated transition-metal centers due to their strong σ-donating properties and high trans-influence [1,2,3,4,5]. Organosilyl ligands especially are widely used as supporting ligands. The creation of coordinatively unsaturated complexes is one of the most straightforward ways to develop efficient catalyst systems, especially in the field of base-metal catalysis [6,7,8,9,10,11], as base-metal compounds are usually obtained as coordinatively saturated species that exhibit low reactivity. The introduction of organosilyl ligands represents a potentially effective strategy to develop base-metal catalysts. We have recently reported that the four-coordinated iron(II)-disilyl complex Fe[Si(SiMe3 )3 ]2 (THF) (2) exhibits a coordinatively unsaturated character and can act as an effective catalyst for reduction reactions [12]. 2 can be synthesized via the reaction of a commercially available iron salt with silyl anions
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