Catalytic disproportionation of hydrazine by thiolate-bridged diiron complexes

Abstract

Treatment of a thiolate-bridged diiron complex [N2S2FeClFe(MeCN)Cp*][PF6] (1, Cp* = η5-C5Me5, N2S2 = N,N'-dimethyl-3,6-diazanonane-1,8-dithiolate) with CO or tBuNC resulted in ligand exchange to facilely generate [N2S2FeClFeLCp*][PF6] (2, L = CO; 3, L = tBuNC). Further electrochemical studies indicate the co-ligand has an obvious influence on the redox properties of these complexes. Importantly, these complexes with different redox behaviors show distinct catalytic reactivity toward the disproportionation of hydrazine into ammonia.