Preparation of Low Oxidation State Cobalt Complexes Stabilised by a Bulky Amide Ligand

Abstract

Due to their highly reactive nature, low oxidation state carbonyl-free cobalt complexes have previously been found effective in many areas of chemistry, from the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 [1], to C–C bond activations of small molecules [2]. While most low oxidation state carbonyl free cobalt complexes are stabilised by multidentate anionic ligands, more coordinatively unsaturated complexes incorporating bulky lower-dentate ligands have proved more reactive in their further chemistry [3]. This type of complex is the primary focus of this chapter.