Solid-state and solution structures of hetero-aggregates formed between nBuLi and NCN pincer aryl lithium

Abstract

The reaction of NCNLi pincers (NCN = [2,6-(R(2)NCH(2))(2)C(6)H(3)](-), R = Me (), Et ()) with various equivalents of nBuLi in non-polar solvent results in the generation of novel mixed alkyl-aryl organolithium hetero-aggregates. The identification (variable temperature (1)H, (13)C, (7)Li and 2D NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography) of multiple, equilibrating mixed-aggregates that form in these reactions has been achieved. Fluxional processes in the parent [NCNLi](2) dimeric homo-aggregates were re-evaluated and Li-N bond rupture was found to be in operation, a prerequisite towards further aggregation chemistry. The crystallized aggregates, with the formula (2).[nBuLi](2) or (2).[nBuLi](2), shows one amine arm from each NCNLi fragment stabilizing a [nBuLi](2) dimer. The core of the aggregates exhibit a roughly cubic Li(4)C(4) configuration with each aryl carbanion eta(3) coordinated to Li(3) triangular faces. Dissolution of microcrystalline powders of (2).[nBuLi](2) or (2).[nBuLi](2) regenerates the observed equilibria. Based on the NMR data, the remaining mixed aggregates are proposed to have the formula .[nBuLi](3) and .[nBuLi](3), respectively; the solution structure is again based on a Li(4)C(4) cluster. The relative concentration of the constituents in these equilibria was found to vary depending on the steric size of the amine groups. In the case of , the predominant species is the (2).[nBuLi](2) aggregate while for , the dimer (2) is favoured.